JAMB: Students evacuated from Sudan will be transferred to Nigerian varsities

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it will provide support to ensure that Nigerian students evacuated from war-torn Sudan are integrated into the country’s universities.

Ishaq Oloyede, the registrar of JAMB, spoke  in Abuja while meeting with Abike Dabiri, the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

1,730 Nigerians had been evacuated from Sudan over the two-week period preceding May 9.

This followed the violent power struggle between Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s military leader, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the commander of the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The two rival generals are battling for control of the resource-rich North African nation.

The ongoing conflict has left hundreds dead, thousands wounded, and many others displaced.

Dabiri-Erewa led a team to JAMB’s headquarters to discuss modalities for integrating evacuated Nigerian students into tertiary institutions in the country.

Oloyede said JAMB would support the transfer and integration of affected students into Nigerian universities.

He warned the evacuees not to tread the path of those who returned over a year ago as a result of Ukraine’s war but refused to comply with procedures that would have ensured they continue their studies in Nigerian varsities.

“There are procedures for the transfer of students. Nobody should be under any illusion or believe that Nigerian universities will award certificates with less than two years of stay and residency in the university,” Oloyede said.

“The procedure is done legitimately and properly with the cooperation of the National Universities Commission and the individual institution. The guideline from JAMB has been handed over to the chairperson of the commission.

“If you are doing a five-year programme, you will go to year four, because you are going to spend year 4 and year 5.

“For instance, if you are studying Medicine and you are in your 600 level, and if the Medical and Dental Council assesses what you have done; practical is okay, they will just move you to year 5, 500 level.

“You will do 500 level and 600 level, and you will have the certificate of the institution in Nigeria.”