FG clarifies ban on post-UTME

The Federal Government on Saturday clarified its ban on the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and the general admission procedures, saying it “does not in any way affect the statutory role of the Senate of any university or the academic boards of any tertiary institution conducting its admissions.”


The Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, stated this in a statement by the Deputy Director (Press and Public Relations) in the Ministry of Education, Mr. Ben. Bem-Goong.

He said the clarification became necessary following conflicting reports in the media over the roles of universities and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in admission under the new dispensation.

According to him, the role of JAMB is to conduct the UTME, compile the list of candidates whose scores meet the cut-off marks (180 and above) and send same to the universities.

The universities, the minister emphasised, would shortlist the candidates using the agreed guidelines and thereafter return the shortlisted candidates to JAMB for verification of compliance to guidelines and subsequent issuance of JAMB admission letters.

“For the avoidance of doubt, any screening charges shall apply only to successful candidates who have been issued admission by the universities of their choice. All universities and JAMB should adhere to this directive,” Adamu stated.

Adamu explained that although he had made the position earlier, the emphasis became necessary in order to ensure that no stakeholder was left in doubt as to government’s position on the matter.