Merit, catchment to determine varsities’ admission, says JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said admission into tertiary institutions will be based on three factors: merit, catchment area and educationally disadvantaged states.

It noted that the point system copied from its website as criteria for admission into tertiary institutions is a mere illustration.

JAMB’s Head of Media and Information Dr Fabian Benjamin, in a statement, said the Federal Government approved the reinforcement of admission guideline as recognised by law.

It said the point system wrongfully copied from the board’s website and circulated by some media organisations was used for illustration by the Registrar, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde.

“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 reinforcement of admissions guideline recognised by law.

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 tests.

“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,’’ the statement said.

It said the 2016 admissions would be conducted on the three existing admission pillars of merit, catchment area and educationally disadvantaged states through the following process.

According to the statement, a list of candidates that qualified for screening into individual institutions based on the three criteria will be presented.

It said such screening would not demand another test – written, oral or electronic.

Candidates are to present their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results/Advanced Level (AL) results for verification and clearing.

It noted that WAEC, NECO and NBTE results or its equivalent are acceptable.

The statement added: Each candidate should have a minimum five credits at SSCE, including English, Mathematics and any three relevant subjects to his or her discipline.

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

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

“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 institution’s list.

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

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