JAMB Registrar Urges Universities to Halt Underage Admissions

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has issued a stern warning to universities and other tertiary institutions to cease the admission of underage students. Speaking at the opening of the seventh biennial conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria, held in Lagos, Prof. Oloyede emphasised the illegality and risks associated with this practice.

The Call for Accountability

Prof. Oloyede highlighted a recent incident where a European country questioned the legitimacy of a 15-year-old Nigerian student who had graduated from a university and applied for a postgraduate course. The verification request revealed that the student had not been admitted through JAMB, raising concerns about the integrity of the admission process.

“The Vice-Chancellor of the institution confirmed the graduation but admitted the student was not admitted by JAMB. Such practices need to stop for the sake of accountability, data protection, and the nation’s integrity,” Prof. Oloyede stated.

Issues with State-Owned Universities

State-owned universities were specifically called out due to their higher numbers compared to federal universities. Prof. Oloyede also pointed out the illegal admission of diploma students, citing a particular university that admitted 3,000 out of 9,000 diploma students last year without following proper procedures.

“These actions are damaging our education system. Every institution must be accountable to maintain the standards and integrity of our education,” he stressed.

Recommendations from Experts

Prof. Ibrahim Gambari

Former Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, advised pro-chancellors to make their institutions as competitive and attractive as federal and private universities. He emphasised the importance of retaining top faculty and staff to attract the best students.

“State-owned universities must find ways to carve out specific niches that give them comparative advantages and enhance their positions. This will lay the foundation for brand creation and recognition,” Prof. Gambari said.

Sen. Joshua Lidani

Sen. Joshua Lidani, Chairman of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities (COPSUN) and Pro-Chancellor of Gombe State University, discussed various governance challenges within the university system. These include corrupt practices, impersonation, ‘miracle’ exam centres, inadequate funding, and the proliferation of universities.

“Premature dissolution of governing councils and the delay in reconstituting them leave a huge vacuum in the administration, leading to anomalies. The frequent strike actions by ASUU and other labour unions also affect stability, quality, and standards,” he noted.

Conclusion

The conference aimed to raise public consciousness about the challenges facing tertiary education in Nigeria and to propose ways stakeholders can improve governance, standards, and quality in the system. The recommendations and warnings from the conference are expected to guide universities in adopting better practices to uplift the standards of education in the country.