The Federal Government has threatened to sanction higher institutions who fail to submit list of its admitted students immediately after its matriculation ceremony.
This directive was outlined in a memo titled ‘CLARIFICATION ON DISCLOSURE OF ADMITTED CANDIDATES OUTSIDE CAPS (2017-DATE)’ issued by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
According to JAMB’s Public Communications Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, this measure is part of a series of recommendations from a government-appointed committee aimed at addressing the issue of fake degree racketeering in the country.
The memo stated, institutions are to “regularly submit their matriculation lists to the Federal Ministry of Education not later than three months after matriculation ceremonies.”
The list is expected to be submitted through the dedicated channel of JAMB.
“The Board has observed a large number of candidates thronging its offices to resolve issues related to the disclosure of candidates admitted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) from 2017 to date. While we appreciate the enthusiasm, we must correct the misconception that the focus is on candidates’ actions. The true emphasis lies with the institutions, which must disclose all candidates admitted outside CAPS before the August 31st, 2024 deadline.
“This directive requires immediate attention and compliance. We urge institutions to carefully review our initial letter and ensure full compliance, as failure to disclose will result in severe consequences. Candidates are also reminded not to accept admissions outside CAPS.
“The Board reiterate that candidates not disclosed by institutions would not be entertained. The Board will not tolerate any condonement of undisclosed admissions moving forward.”
The Federal Government’s move follows the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Investigative Committee on Degree Certificate Milling, tasked with investigating the activities of certificate racketeers. This action came after Daily Nigerian published an investigative report exposing fake degree mills operating in the Benin Republic.
Additionally, a memo sent to JAMB on July 15, 2024, from the education ministry stated that “You may recall that following the publication of allegations of certificate racketeering involving some foreign institutions, especially in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and other countries, the ministry constituted an inter-ministerial committee to investigate the allegations to find lasting solutions.
“The committee has submitted its report and the Honourable Minister of Education has approved its recommendations for implementation.
“In that regard, I hereby convey the request of the honourable minister for the implementation of the following recommendations of the committee:
“Enforce the mandatory requirement for all tertiary institutions in Nigeria to exclusively conduct their admissions processes through the Central Admissions Processing System under the auspices of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board; mandate all tertiary institutions in Nigeria to regularly submit their matriculation lists to the Federal Ministry of Education not later than three months after matriculation ceremonies through the dedicated channel of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
“You are kindly requested to implement the above recommendations and furnish the ministry with implementation updates.”
