The Federal Government has rejected claims that JAMB is no longer needed for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
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| Minister of education: TUNJI ALAUSA |
In a statement issued recently, the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, said the viral posts did not originate from the Ministry. She made it clear that the Ministry did not issue or authorize any statement that JAMB is no longer mandatory.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed that JAMB remains the statutory, legally empowered body for conducting entrance exams and coordinating tertiary admissions in Nigeria. He said the existing JAMB admission processes remain fully operational.
He asked students, parents, and institutions to depend only on official statements from the Ministry or JAMB for reliable information about admission policies. He also warned media, bloggers, and online platforms against spreading unverified news, because that can cause unnecessary confusion in the education sector.
The Ministry emphasized that there has been no change in JAMB’s role, which remains central and indispensable in the country’s tertiary education system. Any reports claiming otherwise are entirely false and should be disregarded.
Below is a fuller account of what led to this, what the government says, and why this matters.
What sparked the claims
The controversy began when some posts appeared online saying that the Federal Government had removed JAMB as a requirement for tertiary school admissions. These posts claimed universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education would run their own entrance exams instead of using JAMB’s system. Some versions even said JAMB had been abolished or was no longer recognized.
Given how active social media is and how fast news spreads, many people accepted those claims before verifying them. Students and parents began asking whether the rules had really changed. Some colleges and aspirants seemed unsure whether to follow past protocols. The confusion threatened to undermine trust in the admission system.
Because education and admissions are sensitive topics, any credible change would affect many people. Students plan years ahead. Parents invest in preparations. Institutions depend on standard procedures. So any rumor about change draws strong reactions.
What the Ministry and government say
The Ministry of Education responded quickly. Its spokesperson, Boriowo Folasade, made it clear that no such policy shift was authorized. The viral statements did not come from the Ministry. She stressed that at no time did the Ministry issue a directive saying JAMB was no longer mandatory.
Minister Tunji Alausa also spoke. He reaffirmed JAMB’s legal authority. He said JAMB remains the body responsible by law for entrance exams and managing admission into all tertiary schools. He said the existing admission processes through JAMB are still in place and should continue.
He asked stakeholders to trust official communications from the Ministry and JAMB only. He urged people to avoid spreading rumors or false information. He warned that inaccurate claims can cause panic, confusion, and perhaps wrong decisions.
The Ministry also emphasized that its partnership with JAMB and other agencies continues. They aim to protect fairness, transparency, merit, and due process in the admission system. The role of JAMB remains central, crucial, and unchanged.
Why this matters
First, changing how admission works would affect millions of students. Many have prepared specifically for JAMB exams. Teachers, coaching centres, school administrations, and students have built plans around JAMB’s schedule, format, and rules. A sudden shift would disrupt that structure.
Second, removing JAMB or making individual institutions conduct access exams could lead to wide variation in standards, criteria, and fairness. Some institutions might be stricter, others less so. It could create inequalities or favoritism. Using a central body helps maintain consistency across the board.
Third, trust in the system matters. If people believe rules can change overnight based on rumors, they may lose confidence in the admission process. They might make costly mistakes, miss deadlines, or follow false paths. Clear, stable rules protect both institutions and aspirants.
What people should do now
If you are a student, a parent, or affiliated with a tertiary institution, here’s what you should keep in mind:
Do not follow or act on unverified social media claims about admissions.
Always check official sources — the Ministry of Education, JAMB’s website or their verified social media.
Continue preparing for JAMB as before. Do not assume it is no longer required.
If your school or institution suggests a new exam or process, ask for official documents or confirmations.
Report suspicious or misleading claims to credible fact-checking bodies or education authorities.
Broader context: similar claims in education
This is not the first time rumors about policy changes in education have circulated. Some years ago, claims have emerged about dropping certain subject requirements, or altering exam patterns. Schools, students, and the public often respond before policy is officially changed.
In some cases, rumors spread fast and cause panic. In others, institutions prematurely adopt them, causing confusion. That tends to happen when people are desperate for change or quick fixes.
What matters is stability and clarity. Education systems work best when rules are clear, well communicated, and followed consistently.
Why false claims spread easily
There are several factors that help these kinds of false claims spread:
1. Speed and reach of social media
In seconds, a claim can reach thousands. Many people don’t pause to check validity. They share based on emotion or urgency.
2. Unclear communication from authorities
When ministries or institutions are slow or vague in their responses, people fill gaps with speculation. That creates space for rumors.
3. Desire for relief or change
Some may be tired of difficult admission processes. Rumors about easier routes attract attention. That makes them more shareable.
4. Echo chambers
On some platforms, people share content aligned with their hopes or beliefs. Contradictory views may be blocked or ignored.
5. Weak fact-checking or media oversight
In some cases, news outlets may pick up sensational claims without thoroughly verifying. That amplifies false narratives.
Because of these, reliable institutions must respond assertively, clearly and quickly when rumors surface.
What this clarifies
From the Ministry’s statement and the Minister’s remarks we learn:
JAMB is still mandatory for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The Ministry never issued an authorization or statement to scrap JAMB.
The admission process through JAMB remains fully operational.
Any claims suggesting otherwise are false and should be ignored.
Stakeholders should rely only on official channels for admission policy updates.
The Ministry and JAMB will continue to work together to safeguard transparency, merit, and fairness.
Possible concerns and questions
Even with the denial, some people may continue to wonder:
Could the government change the law later?
Yes, but that requires formal announcement, legislative backing, and broad consultation. It cannot be done by rumor or social media.
Why would someone start the rumor?
It might be a misunderstanding, misreporting, or deliberate misinformation. Sometimes people misinterpret partial statements or act on speculation.
What if some institutions try to operate differently anyway?
That would likely be challenged by JAMB or the Ministry. Institutions must follow national guidelines. Any deviation risks invalidating admissions.
How will students know if a real change happens?
Official communication channels will announce it — websites, press releases, official social media. Changes will come through those, not via random posts.
Final word
In short, the claim that JAMB is being scrapped for tertiary admission is false. The Ministry denies it. The Minister affirms JAMB’s authority. All admissions processes tied to JAMB remain valid.
If you are preparing for admission, stay on track with JAMB. Ignore rumors that conflict with official statements.
BY SUNDAY SAMSON