JAMB: 2016 University Admissions will Not Be Based on Point System

• Merit, catchment areas, disadvantaged zones will determine admission

By Paul Obi in Abuja

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) yesterday said the 2016 admissions for tertiary institutions would not be based on the point system, instead, it would be determined by the criteria of merit, catchment areas and educationally disadvantaged states.

JAMB said the point-based system allowed institutions admitting students to rely on their O’level examination results to grade and score applicants for admission, thereby diverting from the laid down procedures for admission.

According to JAMB’s Head of Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, contrary to the recent speculation that the 2016 admission would depend solely on the point-based system, universities, polytechnics and colleges of education have been directed to focus on merit, catchment areas and educationally disadvantaged states.

Benjamin said: “Sequel to the recent workshop convened by the Minister of Education on the modality for the 2016 admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria following the cancellation of Post-UTME, the federal government approved the re-enforcement of admission guidelines recognised by law. This is not the point based system 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 of a few institution that were using the point system to select candidates while their colleagues were subjecting candidates to written tests.

“These examples are contained in a paper presented by the Registrar which is placed on our website and was adopted by the media wrongly as the 2016 guideline.

“Please note that the 2016 admissions will be conducted purely on the three existing admission pillars of merit, catchment area and educational less-developed states through the following process.”

Benjamin explained that the presentation of the list of candidates who qualify for screening into individual institutions will be based on the three stipulated criteria mentioned above. “This screening should not demand for another test in any form written, oral or electronic,” he said.

“Candidates are to present their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results/Advanced Level (AL) results for verification and clearing purposes. WAEC, NECO and NBTE results or equivalent are acceptable as matriculation requirements.

“Each candidate is expected to have a minimum of five (5) credits at SSCE including English, Mathematics and any other three (3) relevant subjects to his or her discipline.

“The list of qualified candidates awaiting SSCE/AL results can be kept in view (K.I.V) pending the release of their results. Any candidate who does not possess the requirements as listed above is deemed to have failed the screening,” Benjamin said.

The JAMB spokesman further stated that the “consideration of the recommended list as forwarded 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 can 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.

“Be informed that government has directed that these guidelines should be strictly adhered to without any alterations,” Benjamin added.