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Tag: JAMB

  • JAMB cares

    JAMB cares

    Its support for People Living With Disabilities is a model worthy of emulation

    To know the level of civilisation in a society, find out how it treats its vulnerable members. Because such members are disadvantaged, with respect to their capacity to scramble for the limited opportunities that the society offers for self-fulfillment, they need to be granted concessions which would make it possible for them to realise their optimum, if not full, potential in life. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is one institution of the Nigerian government which has committed itself to granting such empathetic concessions.

    First, it has offered an application form rebate to Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs), so that rather than pay the full fee of N5,000, they would be paying only N3,500. Since such disadvantaged persons may not easily get the opportunities which other categories of students have to engage in jobs and related activities which may enhance their financial means of purchasing the forms, the compassionate form-related concession granted PLWDs by JAMB is commendable.

    Second, JAMB has proposed to the National Council on Education that PLWDs should be offered admission without putting them through the extra rigours of Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and related tests, once they have scored the minimum marks required for their courses of interest at the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The humane proposal by the Professor Is’haq Oloyede-led upper echelons of JAMB has been approved by the 67th council meeting, and it is a praiseworthy incremental step towards making life more livable for PLWDs.

    Third, JAMB has set for itself the target of enrolling 825 PLWDs for the UTME and for admission in the next five years. Moreover, JAMB is proposing to establish a Support Centre for PLWDs which would be optimally, technologically equipped to make life easier for them. To enhance the effectiveness of such measures, it is necessary for a census of PLWDs to be taken, and for the relevant agencies of government to pay special attention to facilitating a significant increase in their enrollment in primary and secondary schools.

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    The value of these measures is that they can facilitate excellent performance by PLWDs in different spheres of human endeavour. Examples of this were found in the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, which took place between August 28 and September 8, 2024. On this global stage, Nigerian Paralympians brought the country glory by winning 40 medals, including two gold. The significance of this, which is ironical, is that in the main Olympic Games which held in the same city from July 26 to August 11, 2024, Nigeria won no medal. The point being made here is that when PLWDs are granted the right concessions, they can excel in many other sectors.

    The challenge that this fact should throw to a grateful and forward-looking nation is that, in order not to make JAMB’s positive initiatives to be mere tokenisms, a comprehensive examination of areas of the society which are not yet PLWD-compliant should be undertaken and remedial action taken accordingly. At the socio-psychological level, parents of PLWDs should be counselled to shun superstitions about disability and not to see the children as a burden, but to note that with the appropriate nurture, especially if they are given optimum education, any PLWD can become a star.

    In this regard, conventional schools should be made more PLWD-compliant and more special schools, at the primary and secondary levels, should be built, especially by local governments and state governments who appear to be currently negligent of the plight of PLWDs. Programmes should also be emplaced to identify exceptional PLWDs and assist them, through appropriate professionals, to develop to the zenith of their talents. 

  • JAMB cuts UTME fees for People Living With Disabilities

    JAMB cuts UTME fees for People Living With Disabilities

    •Board to provide free transportation, others for PLWDs

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reduced the registration fee for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) from N5,000 to N3,500 for visually impaired candidates and others with disabilities.

    The organisation said this was done to ensure equitable access to tertiary education for persons with disabilities (PWDs).

    The JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, announced this at a media briefing yesterday in Abuja ahead of the board’s Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) first Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED) which will hold today and tomorrow in Abuja.

    He said: “As we gather for this world press conference, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to ensure that no individual is left behind in the quest for access to quality education.

    “JAMB’s Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) will hold its First Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED), on Tuesday, September 17, and Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Idris Abdulkadir Conference Hall of the National Universities Commission (NUC) in Maitama, Abuja.

    “The conference aims to enhance access to higher education for PWDs and improve the learning environment in tertiary institutions in Africa. The regional conference is expected to attract participants from Ethiopia, Malawi, Egypt, and other African countries.

    “Today, as we prepare for this very important conference, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing equal opportunity access to higher education for all, with particular emphasis on persons with disabilities (PWDs).

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    “The JAMB, through the JEOG, has been at the forefront of ensuring that persons with disabilities are provided with a level-playing field in accessing higher education. It is not enough to simply open doors of opportunity; we must ensure that these doors are accessible to everyone, irrespective of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities.

    “As we mark the launch of the 1st Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED ‘24), it is our fervent belief that this conference will provide the platform to address critical challenges and explore innovative solutions that will help bridge the gap in educational access for PWDs.

    “We recognise that education is a fundamental human right, and as such, we are dedicated to making higher education more inclusive and accessible across Africa.”

  • JAMB slashes UTME fees for PWDs

    JAMB slashes UTME fees for PWDs

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reduced the registration fee for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) from N5,000 to N3,500 for the visually impaired and other candidates with disabilities.

    The organisation said this was done to ensure equitable access to tertiary education for the PWDs.

    Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed this during a press conference on Monday ahead of JAMB’s Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) first Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED) on Tuesday, and Wednesday in Abuja.

    Oloyede said the Board will also provide free accommodation and transportation for the visually impaired and other candidates with disabilities who require special examination settings during the examination process.

    The JAMB registrar said to support candidates with disabilities with five O’ level credits in Senior Secondary Certificate, application documents are provided free of charge by JAMB, in addition to other fees, including computer-based test CBT centre fee.

    He said the ARCEAHED) would enhance access to higher education for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and improve the learning environment in tertiary institutions in Africa.

    The registrar said: “As we gather for this world press conference, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to ensure that no individual is left behind in the quest for access to quality education.

    “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) will hold its First Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity of Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED), on Tuesday, September 17, and Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Idris Abdulkadir Conference Hall, National Universities Commission (NUC), Maitama, Abuja.

    “The conference aims to enhance access to higher education for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and improve the learning environment in tertiary institutions in Africa. The regional conference is expected to attract participants from Ethiopia, Malawi, Egypt, and other African countries.

    “Today, as we prepare for this very important conference, we reaffirm our commitment to advancing equal opportunity access to higher education for all, with particular emphasis on persons with disabilities (PWD).

    “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), through the Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), has been at the forefront of ensuring that persons with disabilities are provided with a level playing field in accessing higher education. It is not enough to simply open doors of opportunity: we must ensure that these doors are accessible to everyone, irrespective of their physical, sensory, or cognitive abilities.

    “As we mark the launch of the 1st Africa Regional Conference on Equal Opportunity Access to Higher Education (ARCEAHED’24), it is our fervent belief that this conference will provide the platform to address critical challenges and explore innovative solutions that will help bridge the gap in educational access for PWDs.

    “We recognise that education is a fundamental human right, and as such, we are dedicated to making higher education more inclusive and accessible across Africa. The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Advancing the Potentials of Persons with Disabilities in Educational and Economic Development,’ speaks to the importance of harnessing the talents and contributions of PWDs in shaping the future of our society. Education is the cornerstone of personal empowerment, economic development, and national growth. When we invest in inclusive education, we invest in a brighter, more equitable future for all.”

    He added: “At JAMB, we have introduced several strategic initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity within the education sector. Dedicated centres are provided for PWDs who cannot sit the UTME in the normal CBT centres to ensure they are not disadvantaged during examinations.

    “The Board has reduced the registration fee for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination from N5,000 to 3,500 to ensure equitable access to tertiary education. To support candidates with disabilities with 5 O’ level credits in Senior Secondary Certificate, application documents are provided free of charge in addition to other fees (such as CBT centre fee). Furthermore, for the visually impaired and other candidates with disabilities who require special examination settings, transport supplementation, free accommodation, and transit are provided during the examination process.

    “We are providing the necessary assistive tools, such as braille machines and screen readers, to facilitate learning and testing. We are training educators to be more aware of the diverse needs of students and to employ inclusive teaching methodologies. Partnering with government bodies, NGOs, and international organizations to ensure that our policies are not only inclusive but also impactful.

    “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board appreciates the efforts of the Federal Government in introducing the student loan and also including PWDs in the scheme, a policy that would go a long way in assisting the candidates with disabilities to pursue their education.

    “We equally commend the National Assembly for device legislations, particularly for the passage into law the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act. The Ministry of Education is commended for endorsing the policy on ‘Strategic Roadmap for Inclusive Access to Quality Higher Education in Nigeria’ by the National Council on Education. The policy incorporates certain waivers and incentives for candidates with disabilities.

    “We hope that the conference will bring to the forefront critical issues that would enhance the well-being of PWDs not only at the national level but at the global level.

    “As we move forward, we must intensify our efforts and build upon the progress we have made. I call on all stakeholders’ government agencies, educational institutions, the private sector, and civil society – to join hands with us in this noble cause. Together, we can create a future where every child, every student, and every citizen has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or abilities.

    “Let this press conference be a reminder that education is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a right that must be safeguarded for all. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to build a more inclusive educational system.”

  • JAMB debunks involvement in HND admissions

    JAMB debunks involvement in HND admissions

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has denounced claims that it is involved in the admissions for higher national diploma (HND) students.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the board’s spokesman Fabian Benjamin said JAMB had no involvement, authority, or control over the admissions process for HND candidates.

    The statement also said JAMB was not responsible for other higher institutions’ programmes, besides their regular admissions.

    It explained that candidates’ HND admissions were unknown and irrelevant to the board’s mandate.

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    Some HND students had accused the board of being responsible for their inability to go for their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

    The students were said to have claimed they were not mobilised for service because they did part-time programmes for their national diploma (ND).

  • JAMB urges tertiary schools on merit-based admission

    JAMB urges tertiary schools on merit-based admission

    Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Coordinator Ogun State, Abdulhakeem Abdulhameed, has tasked admission officers in tertiary institutions in Ogun state to regularise all their undisclosed admissions within the one-month window of grace provided by the board. He said JAMB is determined to enforce compliance and ensure merit-based admissions after which sanctions will be imposed on non-compliant institutions.

    Abdulhameed who spoke on Doing admissions right at a stakeholders’ meeting with admission officers from various institutions at the Redeemer’s College of Technology and Management (RECTEM) in Mowe, Ogun State, stated that the board is not interested in sanction but in doing admissions right.

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    He however noted that JAMB is determined to eradicate illegal admissions to ensure all admissions are processed through the Central Admission Process System (CAPS).

    “We will no longer tolerate admission malpractices. All admissions must be on CAPS. We have automated all our services, and institutions that fail to comply will face severe sanctions from the Minister of Education.

    “All admissions that are not on CAPS are illegal admissions. So in order to prevent candidates from doing all these things, a grace of a month was given to institutions to compile all other undisclosed and disclose it and see how best it can be resolved, he said adding that the essence of the meeting is to see how best ‘we can interpret those policies on admission.

  • JAMB’s final warning

    JAMB’s final warning

    • The board will no longer condone irregular admissions

    With effect from August 31, 2024, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will no longer reckon with any candidate offered admission outside its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) after 2020.

    This ultimatum was contained in a letter signed by the board’s director of admissions, Mohammed Bolaji, and addressed to vice-chancellors, provosts and registrars of tertiary institutions in the country.

    According to Bolaji, this move is to curb illegal admissions and falsification of records. “Any institution found to have admitted any candidate outside CAPS after 2020, will be made to face appropriate sanctions in addition to the forfeiture of the said admission with its legal implications.”

    The letter added: ““The board has discovered widespread and unwholesome practices whereby some institutions were colluding with candidates to falsify vital records, such as backdated year of entry and subsequent age adjustments, to utilise certificates of genuine candidates with similar names and to facilitate illegal admissions carried out before 2017 to enable participation of fake candidates in the National Youth Service Corps scheme.”

    This is shameful.

    JAMB introduced CAPS in 2017, as part of the reforms by the Prof. Ishaq Oloyede-led management to ensure accuracy, records, transparency, accountability, fairness, and equity in admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Oloyede, a former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, assumed duties as JAMB’s chief executive in August, 2016. Given his background, he knew how institutions sidelined laid-down rules and regulations, beginning  with the admission processes.

    The usual commotion that hitherto attended the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in the pre-Oloyede years was part of the evidence that all was not well with that examination. Oloyede decided to sanitise the process, leveraging technology. CAPS was one of his ways to bring sanity into the process.

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    Ordinarily, CAPS ought to have taken effect from 2017 because the tertiary institutions were not supposed to admit students through the back door in the first place. However, the board made a passionate appeal to the former Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, to extend the deadline to 2020, so that students who had been offered irregular or illegal admissions would at least be able to legitimise them through the ‘Condonement of Illegal Admissions Without Registration Number’ window

     that the board established for that purpose. The minister acceded to JAMB’s request.

    It is this window that has now become an avenue not just for irregular and illegal admissions but a veritable vehicle for criminal activities.

    It is instructive that both JAMB and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the natural ‘consumers’ of the products of these institutions, have had cause not only to complain but, at times, threaten to reject the products of these criminal irregularities from the shameless institutions.

    What is even the more startling is that these schools continue in their sinful ways despite several warnings to turn a new leaf.

    We support JAMB’s ultimatum. The institutions have had ample time to normalise admissions made through the back door. 

    We can only hope that JAMB will be able to stay the course this time around. The tertiary institutions could not have expected a different reaction when an otherwise functional vehicle is now being used for dysfunctional purposes.

    If as high as 88 institutions, including universities, that are supposed to graduate only students found worthy, first in character, then learning, are involved in falsification of facts, then what hope for the country? It indeed beggars belief that about 90 per cent of the institutions involved are universities. As they say, “if gold rusts, what would iron do”? If universities are liars, their products that benefitted from the lies can hardly turn out better.

    We must sanitise the system for the sake of the credibility of the certificates that our tertiary institutions give so they can command respect globally.

  • Attention: Education minister and JAMB registrar

    Attention: Education minister and JAMB registrar

    • By Professor Joy Oluchi Uguru

    Sir: I have watched and waited with dismay to see how and when the sudden decision to earmark the age limit of entrants into the university and other tertiary institutions will take place. To my greatest shock, the JAMB registrar said that it is to begin this year.

    Following that, the universities have started releasing the dates for their post UTME exam, with the accompanying conditions for eligibility which includes attainment of age 16 by October 2024. Very obnoxious and incredible! Are rules for a game changed in the middle of the game?

    The question that JAMB has to answer is if the candidates did not fill their dates of birth in the JAMB form. They did that.

    It is then, gross injustice to deny a successful candidate the opportunity to be admitted just because of his/her age when some older candidates failed in the same examination, showing that academic excellence at that stage, is not a function of age. It is generally known that admissions (merit and supplementary) are given from September to January of the following year. It is therefore not realistic to stipulate that only candidates who will be 16 by October be given admission. What will become of those who will clock 16 between November and January?

    This SUDDEN policy is not in tandem with the university admission system and will put a good number of candidates at a disadvantage. One wonders what sparked off this sudden decision. Is there a threat somewhere?

    Probably, we are copying from some countries as usual. While copying good things is okay, it is also important to do so carefully, considering our peculiarities; after all, such countries have had people like Yasha Asley (in United Kingdom) who started the university at the age of 12; also, the renowned Harvard university does not have any age limit for admission.

    If we want to introduce age limit, it will be good to give a minimum of 10 or 12 years before implementation. This is to enable students who are already in the system at a younger age to be out of the system.

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    While that is ongoing, we should give an age limit for admission into the primary school (as obtains in the United Kingdom for instance) to ensure that the right age is attained at the last year in the secondary school for onward progress to tertiary institution.

    This is more logical than what is being done presently. If what has been initiated is upheld, it means that the affected candidates, who passed the UTME, will have to lose their chances and start the struggle afresh; more so, a yawning and unnecessary gap will be created in their academic progress.

     It means that in the secondary and primary schools, the affected pupils will be forced to roam aimlessly after graduation. This is not morally and socially good for our present society. At a time when we are trying to guard our youths from social ills, rendering them idle will expose them to social deviants. This will not augur well for our society.

    It is totally incongruous to have an age limit for admission only into the university while there is none for the lower levels of education.  The resultant effect on the stakeholders typifies the proverb where one is led out with light into the dark and suddenly, the light is put off. Where does the affected person grope to? I therefore call on the powers concerned to reconsider their decision on the immediate implementation of the age limit policy as it will disjoint the progress of the young lives we are building.

     •Professor Joy Oluchi Uguru,

    University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

  • JAMB gives varsities, others end of August to disclose pre-2017 illegal admissions

    JAMB gives varsities, others end of August to disclose pre-2017 illegal admissions

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has given universities and other tertiary institutions across the country up to the end of this month to disclose all admissions conducted outside its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) prior to 2017.

    The board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, announced this while addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja on behalf of the board’s Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.

    The JAMB spokesman said the directive was aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness in the admissions processes.

    He said the board would clear all illegal admissions prior to 2017 but would not accept any students again after the close of the August window.

    Benjamin said: “The attention of the board has been drawn to the predilection of some institutions to admit candidates outside the approved Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) platform and process such through the condonement of illegal admissions window to accord legitimacy.

    “In order to close this abused window, the board has decided that: all institutions should now (or never) disclose all candidates illegally admitted prior to 2017 whose records are in their system within the next one month beginning from August 1, 2024; and any admission purportedly given prior to 2017 will no longer be recognised or condoned unless disclosed within this one-month window.

    “Institutions are advised to comply with this directive as there will not be any further condonement of hitherto unrecorded candidates who did not even register with JAMB not to talk of sitting for any entrance examination.

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    “This move is aimed at curbing illegal admissions and falsification of records, while ensuring compliance with the provisions of CAPS.”

    Benjamin explained that the decision marked the end of the Condonement of Illegal Admissions window, which previously allowed institutions to incorporate unauthorided admissions into the system.

    The JAMB spokesman highlighted concerns over institutions that collude with candidates to falsify details for illegal admissions, which had led to fraudulent participation in national service organised by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    He said despite warnings, some institutions continued to admit candidates outside CAPS and sought Condonement of Undisclosed Illegal Institutional Admissions (CUIIA) afterwards.

    “Consequently, the board is terminating the aspect of CUIIA process, which allows completely unregistered candidates (without registration) to be introduced to the system.

    “CAPS is the only authorised platform for admissions. Those who even have registration but were illegally admitted between the period (2017-2020) would soon be denied the opportunity of the waiver unless they are disclosed within the next one month…”

  • JAMB gives arts institute Best Innovation Enterprise award

    JAMB gives arts institute Best Innovation Enterprise award

    Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recognised the Performing arts, Entrepreneurship, Fashion and Technology Innovations (PEFTI) as “Best Innovation Enterprise Institution” in Nigeria.

    PEFTI, which provides training in film, performing arts, music, business, fashion and technology, was honoured at the National Tertiary Admissions Performance Merit (NATAP-M) award in Abuja.

    The award, presented by Dr. Yusuf Sununu, minister of state for Education, followed PEFTI’s lead in the Innovation Enterprise Institution sector in three consecutive academic sessions.

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    PEFTI’s Managing Director, Abiola Adenuga, said: “We appreciate Ministry of Education through JAMB, for recognising PEFTI’s achievements. We are committed to providing professional practical education, productions, and partnering our students to make their dreams a reality. We appreciate JAMB’s commitment to sponsor a project at PEFTI.”

    Established in 2004, PEFTI is accredited by Ministry of Education through NBTE Nigeria, and by NCC Education UK.

    PEFTI operates from Ajao Estate in Lagos State, and Ibadan in Oyo State.

  • JAMB sets August end deadline for varsities, others to disclose all pre-2017 illegal admission

    JAMB sets August end deadline for varsities, others to disclose all pre-2017 illegal admission

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has given universities and other tertiary institutions in the country end of this month to disclose all admissions conducted outside its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) before 2017.

    The public communication advisor for JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday on behalf of the board’s Registrar, Prof Is-haq Oloyede.

    He said the directive was aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness in the admissions processes.

    Dr Benjamin said the Board would clear all illegal admissions prior to 2017 but wouldn’t accept any students again after the August window was closed. 

    He said: “The attention of the Board has been drawn to the predilection of some institutions to admit candidates outside the approved Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) platform and process such through the condonement of illegal admissions window to accord legitimacy.

    “In order to close this abused window, the Board has decided that: all institutions should now (or never) disclose all candidates illegally admitted prior to 2017 whose records are in their system within the next one month beginning from 1st August 2024; and any admission purportedly given prior to 2017 will no longer be recognised or condoned unless disclosed within this one-month window.

    “Institutions are advised to comply with this directive as there will not be any further confinement of hitherto unrecorded candidates who did not even register with JAMB not to talk of sitting for any entrance examination.

    “This move is aimed at curbing illegal admissions and falsification of records while ensuring compliance with the provisions of CAPS.”

    He said the decision marks the end of the Condonement of Illegal Admissions window, which previously allowed institutions to incorporate unauthorised admissions into the system.

    Benjamin highlighted concerns over institutions colluding with candidates to falsify details for illegal admissions, which has led to fraudulent participation in the National Service organized by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    He said despite warnings, some institutions continue to admit candidates outside CAPS and seek the Condonement of Undisclosed Illegal Institutional Admissions (CUIIA). 

    He said: “Consequently, the Board is terminating the aspect of the CUIIA process which allows completely unregistered candidates (without registration) to be introduced to the system. 

    CAPS is the only authorized platform for admissions. Those who even have registration but were illegally admitted between the period (2017-2020) would soon be denied the opportunity of the waiver unless they are disclosed within the next month.

    “Therefore, all institutions are hereby directed to disclose, for the final time, all candidates admitted illegally within their systems. Moving forward, the Board will not tolerate any undisclosed admission by any institution.”

    Speaking further, Benjamin said recent discoveries made it imperative for the Board to speak out to save the integrity of the education system.

    On the issue of the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions for the 2024 session, the board maintained that the minimum age for admission remains 16 years.

    “For the 2024 admission cycle, candidates who will be at least sixteen years old at the time of admission will be considered eligible. This decision follows the directive from the Chairman of the 2024 tertiary admission policy meeting, who is also the Honourable Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, SAN, OON that the extant policy of 6-3-3-4 be enforced only from the 2025 session.

    “The alarming avalanche of obviously false affidavits and upsurge of doctored upward age adjustments on NIN slips being submitted to JAMB to upgrade recorded age is dangerous, inimical, and unnecessary. Only those below 16 would not and should not be admitted in accordance with the decision of the 2024 Policy Meeting,” he said.

    He further expressed concern over the new trend of a strange admissions practice labeled as “Daily- Part-Time” (DPT) by certain polytechnics and “Top Up” (TU) by some universities.

    According to him, a recent and particularly egregious example of this is the advertisement placed by Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa, in Oyo State, published in the Tribune on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, inviting candidates to apply for its two-year Daily Part-Time (DPT) programme.

    “It is crucial to clarify that no such programmes are approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) nor by the National Universities Commission (NUC). Both are also alien to the education system in Nigeria.

    “They are fraudulent devices to side-line quality, approved quota for full time admission, falsify records and consequently, rake illegitimate income and derail the ambition and career of innocent (and some equally crooked) candidates. The candidates with zero or abysmally low UTME score are rationally attracted to such contraption which would lead to nowhere.

    “Part-time programmes are strictly regulated, allowing institutions to admit only up to 150% of the approved full-time capacity. However, some institutions have been found to admit an excessive number of candidates through this unrecognised DPT programme, merging them with full-time students in classrooms and purporting to graduate them at the same time with full time students,” he noted.