Breaking News: JAMB Extends Registration for Direct Entry

JAMB Extends Registration Period for Direct Entry Applicants

According to a reliable source, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is planning to extend the registration period for candidates seeking direct entry admission to universities across Nigeria. The extension is expected to last for one week, with the possibility of a further extension if the ongoing crisis persists. The objective is to accommodate all legitimate and willing applicants.

The initial deadline for registration was set for Saturday, May 13. However, due to the consistent overcrowding and chaos witnessed at the Lagos office of the examination body throughout the past week, JAMB has decided to grant an extension.

An undisclosed high-ranking JAMB official confirmed this development to PREMIUM TIMES on Saturday evening. The official emphasized that the decision to extend the deadline was made after the examination body’s management reviewed the challenges faced at various offices, particularly in Lagos. Their primary aim is to ensure that every qualified and willing applicant can complete the registration process.

Fabian Benjamin, the Head of Public Affairs and Protocol for JAMB, neither confirmed nor denied the information. However, he expressed confidence that every candidate desiring to register for the direct entry application would be given the opportunity to do so.

Registration Challenges

JAMB recently prohibited privately-owned computer-based test centers from participating in the registration process for direct entry applicants. Instead, applicants were directed to approach any JAMB office nationwide for registration. This centralization of the process was implemented to curb the use of fraudulent A-level documents during registration.

JAMB stated that it received numerous complaints regarding fraudulent practices by applicants. The case of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), where approximately 140 students were expelled for presenting fake A-level results, was cited as an example. Consequently, JAMB’s centralization aims to prevent such fraudulent acts and establish guidelines for the participation of private CBT centers in future years.

However, this decision has left many applicants stranded, leading to overcrowding and chaos at JAMB’s Lagos office, particularly in the past week. Disturbing images of applicants sleeping on the floor at the Ikoyi office circulated on the internet, prompting the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) to intervene and demand immediate resolution.

JAMB attributed the overcrowding to applicants adopting a last-minute rush, noting that the registration period initially had low patronage. Mr. Benjamin, JAMB’s spokesperson, explained, “When we started the registration, the offices were nearly empty, and candidates were not coming. Don’t forget; the DE registration is not a high-tech registration; we usually have just about 100,000 and sometimes 200,000 candidates registering for the whole year. So, you can imagine where these people are coming from at this particular point in time. But as a responsible organization, we will do everything possible, especially for candidates who have purchased the PIN to register.”

Deadline Extension

A JAMB official, speaking to PREMIUM TIMES, confirmed that the management decided to extend the deadline for direct entry registration during the weekend. However, they expressed reluctance to publicly announce the extension to avoid encouraging candidates to relax and wait until the last minute.

The source disclosed that the extension would be for one week, but if the crisis persists, further extension might be considered to accommodate all legitimate and willing applicants. The official added, “But we cannot foresee a situation that would warrant another extension after this. This is based on the calculation of the annual DE registration figures and what has been recorded so far this year.”

JAMB’s Official Response

When contacted by PREMIUM TIMES, JAMB’s spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing issue. Nevertheless, he reassured the public that JAMB, as a responsible organization committed to upholding its integrity and respecting the dignity of every student, would make the best decision.

He stated, “I have no doubt that every willing applicant who has purchased the PIN will be allowed to register for the direct entry. The difficulties encountered are part of the measures taken to address the malpractices associated with the registration process. Nigerians can be assured that JAMB is too responsible to willingly subject applicants to unnecessary challenges.”

He further mentioned that the examination body is already seeing positive results from their efforts. It is disconcerting for universities to discover that candidates screened for admission have used fake results. JAMB aims to establish a robust system to prevent such occurrences and ensure the integrity of the admissions process.

Accepted A-level Results

JAMB has previously released a list of acceptable A-level results for this year’s direct entry registration, cautioning candidates against fraudulent activities. The approved A-level results include a university diploma, Ordinary National Diploma (OND), National Diploma (ND), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), Higher National Diploma (HND), and a university degree. Additionally, Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB), Joint Universities Preliminary Examination Board (JUPED), NABTEB Advanced National Business Certificate, NABTEB Advanced National Technical Certificate, NABTEB GCE-A’ Level (2015-2021), Higher Islamic Studies Certificate by NBAIS, International Baccalaureate, and the National Registered Nurse/Midwife certificates are also recognized.

As the registration process for direct entry applicants encounters challenges, JAMB is actively working to address the issues and ensure that all eligible candidates have the opportunity to register. The extension of the deadline and the possible further extension demonstrate their commitment to accommodating every legitimate and willing applicant. JAMB emphasizes its responsibility in creating a fair and transparent admissions process, safeguarding against fraudulent practices, and upholding the dignity of every student seeking admission into Nigerian universities.