JAMB releases AUTHENTIC criteria for 2016 admission

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says the point system copied from its website as criteria for admission into tertiary institutions and currently in circulation is a mere “illustration”.

This is contained in a statement by Fabian Benjamin, the board’s head, media and information, and made available to NAN on Sunday in Lagos.

It said the point system in circulation was published on its website after it was used for illustration by ‘Dibu Ojerinde, a professor and registrar of JAMB.

According to the statement, the admission of candidates into tertiary institutions will be based purely on three pillars: merit, catchment and educationally less developed states.

“Sequel to the recent workshop convened by the minister of education on the modality for 2016 admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, the Federal Government approved the re-enforcement of admissions guideline recognised by law,” read the statement

“This is following the cancellation of the post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This is not the point system as widely circulated in some media.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the board wishes to state clearly that the point system is an illustration by the Registrar of JAMB.

“It is meant to demonstrate how a few institutions were using the point system to select candidates while some of their counterparts were subjecting candidates to written test.

“The illustrations are contained in a paper presented by the registrar and placed on our website and was adopted by the media wrongly as the 2016 guideline for admission.”

JAMB said the 2016 admissions will be conducted purely on the three existing admission pillars of merit, catchment area and educationally less developed states through the following process:

Firstly, a list of candidates who qualified for screening into individual institutions based on the three stipulated criteria will be presented.

It added that such screening does not require another test in any form — written, oral or electronic.

According to the statement, candidates are to present their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results/Advanced Level (AL) results for verification and clearing purposes.

It said that WAEC, NECO and NBTE results or its equivalent are acceptable as matriculation requirements.

The statement added that each candidate is expected to have a minimum of five credits at SSCE, including English, Mathematics and any other three relevant subjects to his or her discipline.

It said that the list of qualified candidates awaiting SSCE/AL results could be kept in view, pending the release of their results.

“Any candidate that does not possess the requirements as listed above is deemed to have failed the screening,” the statement explained.

“Consideration of the recommended list as forward by JAMB should be completed within one month from the date of receipt of the list.

“Any institution that has a shortfall in the admitted candidates could make up for candidates from other departments on the institutions list.

“Reasons for rejection of candidates on the list should be clearly stated with proof provided alongside. This is imperative so that the general public will note the correct process.”

It said that the government had directed that the guidelines must be strictly adhered to without any alterations.