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JAMB Cautions Parents Against Unfounded Allegations Over Admission Denials

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has advised parents to refrain from making unfounded accusations against universities regarding the perceived unfair denial of admission to their children.

In an official statement released on Sunday, February 2025, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, addressed a growing trend where parents blame institutions for rejecting their wards, often without understanding the admission criteria.

Clarification on Admission Criteria

JAMB cited several recent cases where accusations of unfair admission denial were found to be baseless after investigations. One notable case involved Mr. Godwin Nsan, who accused the University of Calabar of wrongly rejecting his son’s application.

However, JAMB’s review showed that the candidate in question:

Scored 201 in UTME
Had an aggregate score of 34%
Fell below the university’s cut-off marks: 55% (Merit), 35% (Catchment), and 35% (ELDS)

“He had unduly castigated the university, but when he finally provided the required details, it became clear that his child did not meet the admission criteria,” Benjamin explained.

Misconceptions About High UTME Scores

Another misunderstood case involved a candidate who scored 345 in UTME but was denied admission to the University of Jos. The father insisted that his son deserved a spot. However, JAMB’s investigation revealed the truth:

The candidate ranked 86th on the merit list
The university only had 68 available slots for merit-based admission

Benjamin explained that a high UTME score alone does not guarantee admission:

“It is essential to note that in some universities, a score of 345 might rank a candidate as low as 300, depending on the institution’s subscription capacity. The father later apologised after seeing the ranking process.”

Misuse of the ‘Exceptionally Brilliant’ Window

JAMB also raised concerns over the abuse of the “exceptionally brilliant window,” a special provision for candidates under 16 years old. The Board observed that an unrealistic number of candidates are being registered under this category—far beyond global standards, where only a select few qualify.

This misuse could undermine the integrity of the admissions process, prompting JAMB to review this policy to ensure only genuinely exceptional students benefit from it.

JAMB’s Commitment to Fair and Transparent Admissions

JAMB reaffirmed its dedication to a fair, transparent, and merit-based admission process, warning that it has zero tolerance for fraud.

A senior university official is currently facing prosecution for admission fraud
Four additional officials are under active investigation

The Board emphasized that admissions are strictly based on merit, available quotas, and institutional policies. It urged parents to exercise patience and consider their children’s ranking among other candidates rather than making hasty allegations.

“We urge parents to refrain from jumping to conclusions without considering the performance of other candidates. The UTME serves as a ranking examination by determining a candidate’s position within a cohort for the limited available spaces in our nation’s tertiary institutions,” Benjamin stated.

Conclusion

As the 2025 admission process continues, JAMB has cautioned parents against unwarranted accusations against universities. Instead, they should understand the ranking system, encourage their children to explore alternative admission opportunities, and trust the transparency of the process.

The Board remains committed to ensuring that every candidate is assessed fairly, with no room for favoritism or manipulation.

For more information on JAMB, visit the official JAMB website here.

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