ICYMI: JAMB denies FUTA student’s admission claim, cites missing records since 2017 UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has denied any involvement in the admission of Basola Jamiu, a student of the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA).

A statement by Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s spokesperson, said the board has no record of Jamiu’s admission since he sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in 2017.

Jamiu claimed that he was admitted to FUTA in 2018, but discovered that his admission was fake after graduation in 2024.

Jamiu said the situation denied him the chance to go for the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) after the school said the portal rejected his details.

JAMB, however, said Jamiu is not recognised in its admission database and was not processed through the central admissions processing system (CAPS), the only legitimate platform for tertiary admissions in Nigeria since 2017.

JAMB noted that while the candidate may have attended FUTA, he was not admitted through a recognised or approved process, and cannot be inserted into the system to make him eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

“It is important for the public to understand this regulatory role, particularly in the case of Basola Jamiu Owodunni, who remains an unknown entity to the Board concerning admission. Emotions have no place in the enforcement of laws; the provisions are explicit,” the statement reads. 

“While there may be no dispute regarding his attendance at the university in question, JAMB asserts that he is not admitted by its records as he did not follow due process, and the Board lacks the power to insert him on the platform for him to be visible to the NYSC and other stakeholders.

“Previously, there might have been possibilities for unauthorized admissions from tertiary institutions, but such a process has been prohibited. Aside from that, there is no record indicating that Basola was processed for admission even through such channels.”

The case, which has drawn widespread public attention due to claims that Jamiu is an orphan, was described by the board as an example of emotional narratives being used to undermine regulatory processes.

“The narrative of him being an orphan or from a disadvantaged background should not serve as emotional leverage in this matter. The fight against backdoor admissions transcends class, background, or personal circumstances,” Benjamin added. 

“All stakeholders in the education sector understand the importance of adhering to established rules and regulations, especially regarding admissions.”

JAMB added that Jamiu is reportedly in possession of a document that did not originate from its system.

“Basola’s situation is further complicated by his possession of a document that did not originate from our system. It is crucial for him to disclose how he acquired this document, which would assist in clarifying his case,” the statement reads.

“We urge the public to approach such issues with objectivity, as rules and regulations should not be compromised for the sake of sympathy.”

JAMB said its position is consistent with efforts to protect candidates against exploitation and maintain the integrity of the admissions process.

“One of our core philosophies is to protect the rights of all candidates against exploitation, and we will not hesitate to support Basola if he is found to be in compliance with the law,” the statement added.

“In our collective quest for compassion, it is vital to treat compliance issues with caution to avoid being perceived as complicit in wrongdoing. We have seen individuals making unfounded claims that are defamatory and libelous.

“Basola is not the only one in this mess; there have been instances where officials at some institutions have been arrested for manufacturing fraudulent admission letters, following confessions from candidates involved.

“We also advise those who have been vocally critical of JAMB on almost everything they hear to be mindful of their positions.”

JAMB advised candidates to accept only admissions formally processed through CAPS.