In light of recent incidents involving fake certificates detected by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), examination boards in Uganda and Kenya have reached out to the Nigerian government, seeking verification of records presented by Nigerian students applying for admission into their universities.

JAMB revealed this development in a document titled “Registrar’s Report on 2023 Admission & 2024 UTME Policy Meeting,” which was made available yesterday.

The document underscores the importance of safeguarding the reputation of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions on the global stage.

JAMB emphasized that it will not alter the records of any student, asserting, “Uganda and Kenya examination boards are now writing to JAMB to confirm records presented by candidates for admission. JAMB would not falsify record.”

This move follows the federal government’s recent suspension of certificate verification processes from several countries, including Uganda, Kenya, Benin Republic, and Togo, amid concerns of certificate fraud.

This suspension came after an investigative report by a journalist from Daily Nigeria, Umar Audu, who obtained a degree within just six weeks from a Benin Republic institution.

This investigation prompted the Federal Government to establish an inter-ministerial committee tasked with probing the activities of those involved in certificate racketeering.

In response, JAMB issued a warning to higher institutions that fail to submit lists of newly admitted students immediately following their matriculation ceremonies.

According to JAMB’s Public Communications Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, this initiative is part of the broader recommendations from the federal government’s committee aimed at curbing the issue of fake degree certificates in Nigeria.

JAMB has also clarified the process for disclosing candidates admitted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) since 2017.

Institutions have been advised to regularly submit their matriculation lists to the Federal Ministry of Education no later than three months after their matriculation ceremonies. This submission should be done through JAMB’s dedicated channel.

The Board has noted an influx of candidates seeking to resolve issues related to admissions not processed through CAPS since 2017.

However, JAMB has emphasized that the focus of its actions is on institutions, not the candidates. Institutions are required to disclose all candidates admitted outside of CAPS by the deadline of August 31, 2024.

“This directive requires immediate attention and compliance. We urge institutions to carefully review our initial letter and ensure full compliance, as failure to disclose will result in severe consequences. Candidates are also reminded not to accept admissions outside CAPS,” JAMB stated.

JAMB reiterated that it will not entertain any undisclosed admissions from institutions moving forward, and institutions failing to comply will face strict penalties.

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