JAMB Summons 43 Institutions Over Delays in Direct Entry Verification Process
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has taken decisive action by summoning 43 tertiary institutions across Nigeria to address significant delays in the verification process for Direct Entry applicants. This move comes as the board flags concerns over more than 2,600 pending verification requests, which are critical for candidates seeking admission through the Direct Entry scheme.
Details of the Verification Backlog
Data released by TheCable indicates that as of mid-March, a total of 2,638 verification requests remained unresolved among the affected institutions. The delays have raised alarms about the efficiency of the admission process, as verification of academic records is a mandatory step before candidates can be considered for Direct Entry placements.
Among the institutions, Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa recorded the highest number of pending cases with 222, closely followed by Kaduna Polytechnic with 220. Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic also reported 131 unresolved verifications, highlighting widespread issues in the system.
List of Affected Institutions
Universities were not exempt from the delays. The University of Calabar appeared twice on the list with figures of 115 and 71 pending cases, while the Federal University, Nasarawa State, recorded 110. Other notable institutions include Enugu State University of Science and Technology with 98 cases and Delta State University with 95.
Here is a partial list of the first 15 institutions affected by the verification delays:
- Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa: 222
- Kaduna Polytechnic: 220
- Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Nasarawa: 131
- University of Calabar: 115
- Federal University, Nasarawa State: 110
- Enugu State University of Science & Technology: 98
- Delta State University: 95
- Federal College of Education, Ogun: 88
- University of Abuja: 81
- Kaduna State College of Education: 78
- Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic: 71
- University of Calabar: 71
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Oyo: 70
- University of Port-Harcourt: 67
- Ambrose Alli University, Edo: 65
Scheduled Meeting and JAMB's Response
In response to the backlog, JAMB has scheduled a crucial meeting with all 43 institutions for May 17. The board aims to resolve the pending cases and implement measures to streamline the verification process, ensuring timely processing for future applicants. This initiative underscores JAMB's commitment to maintaining the integrity and efficiency of Nigeria's higher education admissions system.
The delays have not only affected applicants but also cast a shadow on the overall admission timeline, prompting urgent action from the board. JAMB's proactive approach in summoning the institutions reflects its dedication to addressing systemic issues and improving service delivery in the education sector.
Background on JAMB's Enforcement Actions
This incident follows previous enforcement actions by JAMB, such as the recent case where a Federal High Court in Katsina sentenced Ibrahim Abdulaziz to three years in prison for impersonation during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The court emphasized that such offences undermine the credibility of public examinations and require strict penalties to deter future misconduct.
The conviction, related to an examination held in April 2025, highlights JAMB's ongoing efforts to combat fraud and maintain the standards of Nigeria's educational assessments. These actions align with the board's broader mission to ensure fairness and transparency in the admission process.
