Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board: Important Details About JAMB

The abbreviation “JAMB” has become a household name in Nigeria, especially for senior secondary school learners and prospective students looking for admission to a Nigerian university. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is an important pathway for admission in Nigeria, but it is not the only way to pursue tertiary education in the country. 

In this article, we will go over everything you need to know about the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, including its history, its critical role in the admissions process, and an often-overlooked alternative to gaining admission.

>>Get admission without JAMB

What is the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board?

Established on 13th February 1978, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board is a Nigerian government body responsible for overseeing and conducting the admission process into higher education institutions in Nigeria. JAMB’s primary role is to ensure a unified and standardised admission process into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and monotechnics in Nigeria.

How Did the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Start?

The inception of JAMB was driven by the need to harmonise the admission process into Nigeria’s growing number of tertiary institutions. Before its establishment, each institution conducted its own entrance examinations, leading to inconsistencies and challenges in maintaining academic standards. JAMB was created to centralise admissions, uphold uniform standards, and provide equal opportunities for all candidates.

The JAMB Mandate

JAMB’s mandate encompasses several key objectives:

• Ensuring Uniform Standards: By administering a standardised examination, JAMB maintains consistent academic benchmarks across all tertiary institutions.
  
• Promoting Equity: The board strives to provide equal access to tertiary education for candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those from educationally less developed states.
  
• Facilitating Policy Formulation: JAMB collaborates with stakeholders to develop policies that enhance the quality and accessibility of tertiary education in Nigeria.

What Does JAMB Do?

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s core functions include:

• Conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME): The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is an annual computer-based test that assesses candidates’ readiness for tertiary education. The UTME evaluates knowledge in subjects relevant to the candidate’s chosen field of study.
• Setting Admission Guidelines: JAMB collaborates with educational institutions to establish admission criteria, ensuring a fair and merit-based selection process.
• Managing Admissions: JAMB oversees the admission process through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). It ensures transparency and efficiency by helping schools select students for admission based on UTME scores, O’level results, and, where applicable, post-UTME exams.
• Providing Admission Letters: When a student is accepted into a school, JAMB issues them an admission letter. This letter is significant because it demonstrates that the student’s admission is legitimate and recognised by the government.

See also: When is JAMB 2025 Registration Starting?

JAMB CBT Centres

To administer the UTME, JAMB accredits Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide. These centres are equipped with the necessary facilities to ensure a seamless examination experience. Candidates are advised to select accredited CBT centres during registration to avoid any complications.

JAMB Examination

The UTME is a pivotal component of the university admissions process. Key aspects of the examination include:

• Subject Selection: Candidates typically choose four subjects relevant to their intended course of study.
  
• Examination Format: The UTME is a computer-based test featuring multiple-choice questions designed to assess candidates’ knowledge and aptitude.
  
• Scoring and Results: Scores are released promptly after the examination, and candidates can access their results through JAMB’s official portal.

See also: Everything You Need to Know About JAMB’s 2025 UTME

The Leadership

JAMB’s leadership comprises experienced educators and administrators committed to upholding the integrity of the admission process. The board is led by the Registrar/Chief Executive, who oversees its operations and strategic direction. As of the latest, Professor Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON, NPOM, FNAL, serves as the Registrar, bringing a wealth of experience in academia and administration.

Other members of the incumbent management team for 2025 include:

• Mr. David Ayodele Akanbi – Director, Test Development Department
• Dr. Abdul Wahab Oyedokun – Director, Legal Department
• Mr. Mohammed Babaji Ahmed – Director, Admissions Department
• Mr. Gani Olabisi Abd’rahim – Director, Human Resources Department
• Mrs. Ville D. Pius – Director, Test Administration Department
• Mr. Ibrahim Kawu – Director, Psychometrics Department
• Mr. Abdulsalam Mohammed – Ag. Director, Procurement
• Mr. Ndaliman Ibrahim Abdullahi – Ag. Director, Lafia Zonal Office
• Mr. Chidebe Adindu Achunine – Director, Special Duties Department
• Mrs. Doom Iyortyom – Ag. Director, Quality Assurance Department
• Mrs. Olufolake Omoniyi Sotomi – Ag. Director, Internal Audit Department
• Mrs. Hadiza Ibrahim Khaleel – Ag. Director, National Headquarters Annex, Kaduna
• Mr. Habeeb Mayaki – Ag. Director, Headquarters Annex, Ilorin
• Mr. Billiaminu Akinola Shittu – Director, Headquarters Annex/ Lagos Zonal Office
• Mrs. Gloria Anyaegbu – Director, Headquarters Annex/ Owerri Zonal Office
• Mrs. Zainab Hamza – Director, Abuja Zonal Office
• Mrs. Amina Adaji – Ag. Director, Portharcourt Zonal Office
• Hon. Danladi Mohammed – Director, Bauchi Zonal Office
• Mrs. Linda Ajanwachukwu – Ag. Director, Enugu Zonal Office
• Mrs. Temitope Catherine Akintola – Director, Ibadan Zonal Office
• Mr. Boniface Ali Tukura – Ag. Director, General Services Department
• Mr. Salim Galadanci – Director, Kano Zonal Office
• Mr. Olukayode Samuel Dada – Ag. Director, Benin Zonal Office
• Mr. Suware Mohammed – Ag. Director, Maiduguri Zonal Office
• Mrs. Susan K. Theophilus – Deputy Director, Registrar’s Office
• Dr. Fabian Benjamin – Head, Media & Publicity

This leadership team is committed to upholding JAMB’s mission of ensuring equitable and standardised admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Must I Write JAMB UTME?

For most prospective university students in Nigeria, taking the UTME is a mandatory step in the admission process. However, there are exceptions:

Miva Open University, a degree-awarding open university approved and licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), does not require JAMB UTME for admission. After students are admitted, the WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB results they submitted during the application process will be verified. Also, JAMB Regularisation will be completed to formalise the admission process where necessary.

What is JAMB Regularisation?

JAMB regularisation is a process that ensures candidates who gain admission through means other than the UTME are properly documented in JAMB’s database. This process is crucial to obtaining a valid JAMB admission letter.

Requirements to Study at Miva Open University

At Miva Open University, we are committed to providing accessible and quality education to a diverse student body. Our admission requirements are designed to accommodate various educational backgrounds.

• School Leaving Candidates: Applicants must have a minimum of five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings.
  
• Direct Entry Candidates: applicants must have one of the following qualifications, along with meeting the required ‘O’ Level subjects:

1. Passes in relevant subjects like ‘A’ Level, IJMB, International Baccalaureate (IB), or JUPEB
2. A Diploma in a relevant field (NCE, ND, HND)
3. Professional Certificates (such as ICAN, ICMA, ACCA, AAT, CIBN, etc.)

For more details on specific programme requirements, please visit the programme pages.

• Inter-University Transfer: Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. ‘O’ level result with a minimum of five credits including Mathematics and English in not more than two sittings.
2. Student copy of academic transcript with a minimum grade point average of 2.40 CGPA (Second class lower) on a 5.0 scale.

For detailed information on each programme’s requirements, visit the respective programme page.

Benefits of Studying at Miva

Studying at Miva Open University offers several benefits:

1. Flexible Learning: Miva provides flexible study options, allowing you to balance education with work or personal commitments. You can study at your own pace and from anywhere.
2. Variety of Programmes: Miva offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across different fields, catering to various career paths.
3. Affordable Tuition: Miva Open University aims to provide cost-effective education without compromising on quality, making higher education accessible to a wider audience.
4. Accredited Qualifications: The degrees and certificates awarded by Miva Open University are recognised and accredited, ensuring your qualification is respected by employers and institutions.
5. Supportive Learning Environment: Miva provides student support services, including academic guidance, counselling, and 24/7 access to learning materials.
6. Global Network: As an open university, Miva connects students from various parts of the world, providing a diverse and enriching learning environment.
7. Career Advancement: The skills and qualifications gained at Miva Open University can enhance career prospects, offering opportunities for professional growth and development.
8. Technology-Driven Education: Miva uses modern educational technologies to facilitate online learning, ensuring a seamless and interactive learning experience.

These benefits and more make Miva Open University an ideal choice for those seeking flexible, affordable, and quality education.

Get Started

Understanding the role and processes of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board is essential for any prospective university student in Nigeria. By familiarizing yourself with JAMB’s functions, examination procedures, and admission requirements, you can navigate the path to higher education with confidence.

Whether you’re getting ready for your UTME or checking out Miva’s alternative admission options, we’ve got you every step of the way. Learn more about our easy application process and start your academic journey without a hitch.