The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the regulatory body overseeing tertiary institution admissions in Nigeria, has taken a decisive step in addressing non-compliance by releasing the names of universities that failed to upload the Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME) screening scores for underage candidates who participated in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This development, announced on Thursday, September 18, 2025, underscores JAMB’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to its guidelines in the admissions process. The announcement has sparked discussions across academic and public circles, highlighting the challenges of coordinating large-scale admissions processes and the importance of institutional compliance.
Background and Context of the Issue
The UTME, conducted annually by JAMB, is a critical gateway for millions of Nigerian students seeking admission into tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The examination serves as a standardized assessment to evaluate candidates’ readiness for higher education. Following the UTME, institutions conduct Post-UTME screenings to further assess candidates’ suitability for their programs. These screenings often involve additional tests or evaluations, the scores of which are crucial for determining admission eligibility.
For the 2025 admission cycle, JAMB identified a specific issue concerning underage candidates—those below the minimum age requirement of 16 years for tertiary institution admission. According to JAMB’s policy, candidates must be at least 16 years old to be eligible for admission, with exceptions granted only in documented, exceptional cases. The issue of underage candidates has been a recurring concern, as some institutions admit students below this age threshold, either due to oversight or deliberate non-compliance.
To ensure fairness and compliance with its age policy, JAMB mandated universities to upload the Post-UTME screening scores of underage candidates to the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), a digital platform designed to streamline and monitor the admissions process. CAPS allows institutions to submit their recommended candidates for approval, ensuring that only eligible candidates are admitted. However, the failure of some universities to meet the deadline for submitting these scores prompted JAMB to take action.
JAMB’s Announcement and the Non-Compliant Universities
In a statement issued by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, the board revealed that 23 out of 71 universities selected by underage candidates failed to submit their Post-UTME screening scores by the initial deadline of September 15, 2025. This non-compliance has raised concerns about the efficiency and commitment of these institutions to JAMB’s guidelines.
The list of defaulting universities includes some of Nigeria’s prominent institutions, both public and private. Leading the list is the University of Lagos (UNILAG), with 39 affected candidates, followed by Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, with 18 candidates, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, with 15 candidates. Other notable institutions include the University of Abuja (12 candidates), the University of Uyo (9 candidates), the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (8 candidates), David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (6 candidates), and the University of Calabar (6 candidates). Lagos State University (5 candidates) and Bingham University (3 candidates) were also named, alongside several other institutions with one or two affected candidates each.
The failure of these universities to upload the required scores has significant implications for the affected candidates, as their admission processes could be delayed or jeopardized. JAMB’s decision to publicize the names of the defaulting institutions is seen as a bold move to enforce accountability and deter future lapses.
Reasons for the Delay and JAMB’s Response
JAMB attributed part of the delay to the late release of the National Examination Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results, which are a critical component of the admissions process. The SSCE results, from both NECO and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), provide the academic qualifications that institutions use to assess candidates alongside their UTME and Post-UTME scores. The delayed release of NECO results reportedly created logistical challenges for some universities, hindering their ability to complete the Post-UTME screening process on time.
However, JAMB described the non-compliance by the 23 universities as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that institutions were aware of the deadlines and had a responsibility to meet them. To address the issue, JAMB announced an adjustment to the deadline for the submission of Post-UTME scores, allowing the affected universities additional time to comply. The board is working in collaboration with these institutions to ensure that the final assessment of the affected candidates is completed promptly.
This adjustment reflects JAMB’s attempt to balance its strict enforcement of guidelines with the need to accommodate legitimate challenges faced by institutions. However, the board made it clear that such lapses would not be tolerated in the future, signaling a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the admissions process.
Implications for Underage Candidates
The issue of underage candidates is a sensitive one in Nigeria’s education system. JAMB’s policy of setting 16 years as the minimum age for tertiary admission is intended to ensure that students are mature enough to handle the academic and social demands of higher education. However, some candidates, often academically gifted, complete their secondary education before reaching this age, creating a dilemma for both the candidates and the institutions.
The failure of universities to upload Post-UTME scores for these candidates could have serious consequences. Without these scores, the candidates’ admission processes are incomplete, and they risk being excluded from the 2025 admission cycle. For the affected students, many of whom have likely invested significant time and resources in preparing for the UTME and Post-UTME, this delay represents a significant setback.
JAMB’s decision to adjust the deadline offers hope for these candidates, as it provides an opportunity for their scores to be uploaded and their eligibility to be assessed. However, the board’s insistence on documented, exceptional cases for underage admissions means that only a limited number of these candidates may ultimately be admitted. Institutions must provide evidence of exceptional academic performance or other compelling reasons to justify admitting candidates below the age of 16.
JAMB’s Broader Admissions Guidelines
In addition to addressing the issue of underage candidates, JAMB used the opportunity to remind all tertiary institutions of the deadlines for the 2025 admissions cycle. Public universities have been directed to upload their recommended candidates to CAPS by September 30, 2025, while private universities have until October 31, 2025, to do the same. The final deadlines for the approval of admissions are October 30, 2025, for public institutions and November 30, 2025, for private institutions.
These deadlines are critical to ensuring that the admissions process is completed in a timely manner, allowing successful candidates to commence their studies without unnecessary delays. JAMB emphasized that only candidates whose details are properly captured on CAPS will receive final admission approval. This underscores the importance of CAPS as a centralized platform for managing admissions and ensuring transparency.
JAMB also reiterated its commitment to enforcing the minimum age policy of 16 years for tertiary admissions. The board stated that this policy remains binding, with exceptions granted only in cases where institutions can provide documented evidence of extraordinary circumstances. This stance reflects JAMB’s efforts to standardize the admissions process and ensure that all candidates meet the necessary criteria for higher education.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
JAMB’s warning to universities about the consequences of non-compliance is a significant aspect of this development. The board made it clear that failure to adhere to its guidelines could stall the admission processes of the defaulting institutions. This could result in delays in admitting students, disruptions to academic calendars, and potential reputational damage for the affected universities.
For institutions like the University of Lagos, which has the highest number of affected candidates, the failure to comply could also erode public confidence in their administrative processes. As one of Nigeria’s leading universities, UNILAG’s inclusion on the list of defaulting institutions has raised eyebrows and prompted calls for greater accountability.
The broader implications of non-compliance extend beyond individual institutions. The admissions process is a critical component of Nigeria’s education system, and any disruptions can have far-reaching effects on students, parents, and the academic community. By publicly naming the defaulting universities, JAMB is sending a strong message about the importance of adhering to its guidelines and maintaining the integrity of the admissions process.
The Role of CAPS in Streamlining Admissions
The Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) is a cornerstone of JAMB’s efforts to modernize and streamline the admissions process. Introduced in 2017, CAPS is designed to eliminate irregularities in admissions, such as multiple admissions, unqualified candidates, and non-compliance with guidelines. The platform allows institutions to upload their admission lists, which are then reviewed by JAMB to ensure compliance with its policies.
CAPS also provides candidates with real-time updates on their admission status, reducing the uncertainty and anxiety that often accompany the admissions process. By requiring institutions to upload Post-UTME scores and other relevant data to CAPS, JAMB ensures that all admissions are transparent and verifiable.
The failure of some universities to upload Post-UTME scores highlights the challenges of fully implementing CAPS across all institutions. While the platform has significantly improved the admissions process, issues such as delayed result releases, technical difficulties, and administrative lapses can hinder its effectiveness. JAMB’s response to these challenges, including the adjustment of deadlines and collaboration with affected institutions, demonstrates its commitment to making CAPS a reliable tool for managing admissions.
Reactions and Public Discourse
The announcement by JAMB has sparked a range of reactions from stakeholders in the education sector. Some have praised the board for its transparency in naming the defaulting universities, arguing that public accountability is essential for driving compliance. Others have criticized the affected institutions for their failure to meet the deadline, calling for stricter sanctions to prevent future lapses.
Parents and candidates, particularly those affected by the delay, have expressed frustration over the uncertainty surrounding their admission status. For many, the 2025 admission cycle represents a critical step in their academic journey, and any delays or disruptions can have significant emotional and financial implications.
Education analysts have also weighed in on the issue, highlighting the broader challenges of coordinating admissions in a country with a large and diverse tertiary education system. The late release of NECO results, for example, is a recurring issue that affects not only JAMB but also institutions and candidates. Some have called for better coordination between JAMB, NECO, and WAEC to ensure that results are released in a timely manner, allowing institutions to meet their deadlines.
Looking Ahead: Addressing the Challenges
The issue of non-compliance by universities raises important questions about how to strengthen Nigeria’s admissions process. While JAMB’s efforts to enforce its guidelines are commendable, the challenges faced by institutions cannot be ignored. The late release of NECO results, for instance, is a systemic issue that requires collaboration between JAMB, NECO, and other stakeholders to resolve.
Institutions also need to invest in their administrative processes to ensure timely compliance with JAMB’s guidelines. This may involve training staff, upgrading technological infrastructure, and improving coordination between departments involved in the admissions process. For universities like UNILAG, which have a large number of candidates, these investments are particularly critical.
For candidates, the situation underscores the importance of staying informed about the admissions process and meeting all requirements, including age criteria. While JAMB’s policy on underage candidates may seem restrictive to some, it is designed to protect students and ensure that they are adequately prepared for the challenges of tertiary education.
Conclusion
JAMB’s decision to publish the names of universities that failed to upload Post-UTME screening scores for underage candidates is a significant step in promoting accountability and transparency in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process. By naming institutions such as the University of Lagos, Nile University, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, JAMB has sent a clear message that non-compliance will not be tolerated. The adjustment of the deadline and collaboration with affected institutions reflect a pragmatic approach to addressing the issue, but the board’s warning about the consequences of future lapses underscores its commitment to enforcing its guidelines.
As the 2025 admissions cycle progresses, all eyes will be on the defaulting universities to see how quickly they can rectify their lapses and ensure that the affected candidates are not unduly disadvantaged. For JAMB, the challenge will be to continue refining its processes, including CAPS, to accommodate the complexities of Nigeria’s education system while maintaining the integrity of the admissions process. For candidates and their families, the hope is that the system will deliver a fair and timely outcome, allowing them to take the next step in their academic journey.
The broader lesson from this development is the need for all stakeholders—JAMB, universities, examination bodies, and candidates—to work together to ensure a seamless and equitable admissions process. Only through such collaboration can Nigeria’s tertiary education system meet the needs of its growing population of aspiring students.
