ASUU: JAMB Has No Power To Decide Admission Qualifications

The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has been accused by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of infringing on the autonomy of universities.

Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, the union’s president, lamented that the meddling activities of JAMB in admission processes and regulation of academic activities in the Nigerian university system are putting universities’ autonomy under threat.

According to Osodeke, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was established in 1978 by an Act of the National Assembly and is responsible for the conduct of matriculation examinations for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, the appointment of examiners, and the collection and dissemination of information on all matters relating to entrance examinations.
Prof. Osodeke emphasized that each university’s senate has the authority and responsibility to oversee all academic matters at the institution, including setting admission requirements and approving undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

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He stressed, however, that JAMB does not have the authority to determine admission qualifications, nor does it have the authority to admit or delist university programs.

The ASUU President went on to say that a university’s senate is responsible for admitting candidates, while the National University Commission is in charge of program regulation and accreditation (NUC).

He emphasized that JAMB is best described as an examination body and clearinghouse for tertiary institution admissions.
“However, it is regrettable that JAMB is collecting and disseminating information on matters relating to admissions from respective institutions based on Senate recommendations outside of its jurisdiction,” he lamented.

As a result, ASUU has urged JAMB to stick to its original mandate and let universities decide on admission policies and procedures.