The Federal Government has directed universities across Nigeria to submit their admission lists to the Federal Ministry of Education, with severe penalties threatened for non-compliance. 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), which was obtained by Channels Television.

According to Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Public Communications Advisor, the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to combat the proliferation of fake degrees in the country. The memo emphasises that institutions must “regularly submit their matriculation lists to the Federal Ministry of Education no later than three months after matriculation ceremonies.” These lists are to be submitted via JAMB’s dedicated channel.

“The Board has observed a significant number of candidates visiting our offices to resolve issues related to admissions processed outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) from 2017 to date,” the memo stated. “While we understand the enthusiasm, we need to clarify that the focus is not on the actions of the candidates. Instead, it is the responsibility of the institutions to disclose all admissions made outside of CAPS by the 31st of August, 2024.

“This directive demands immediate attention and compliance. We urge institutions to carefully review our initial communication and ensure full compliance. Failure to do so will result in severe consequences. Candidates are also reminded not to accept any admissions offered outside CAPS. The Board will not entertain any undisclosed admissions moving forward.”

This development follows the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Investigative Committee on Degree Certificate Milling by the Federal Government. The committee was set up to investigate the activities of certificate racketeers, following an investigative report by the Daily Nigerian that exposed fake degree mills operating in the Benin Republic.

In a related development, a memo addressed to JAMB on 15 July 2024, from the Ministry of Education, noted: “You may recall that following the publication of allegations of certificate racketeering involving some foreign institutions, particularly in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and other countries, the Ministry constituted an inter-ministerial committee to investigate the claims and find lasting solutions. The committee has submitted its report, and the Honourable Minister of Education has approved its recommendations for implementation.

“In this regard, I hereby convey the Honourable Minister’s request for the implementation of the following recommendations of the committee: the mandatory requirement for all tertiary institutions in Nigeria to conduct their admissions processes exclusively through the Central Admissions Processing System under JAMB’s auspices; and the regular submission of matriculation lists to the Federal Ministry of Education no later than three months after matriculation ceremonies, via JAMB’s dedicated channel.”