The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has responded to allegations that it is causing delays in the admission processes of some candidates, particularly those seeking admission into the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
In reaction to recent reports on the controversy, JAMB’s Head of Public Affairs and Protocol, Fabián Benjamín, stated that the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) was created to promote transparency and accountability in the admission process. All admissions are made through the CAPS platform, and candidates are required to upload their O/level results.
According to the statement, the CAPS system plays a vital role in the admission process of tertiary institutions and determines the eligibility of candidates, allowing them to upload their O’Level results. Candidates can register with ‘Awaiting Result’ during registration to ensure wider access. However, they must upload their pending results before the institution’s admission commencement, or they will be considered unqualified.
Candidates’ concerns
JAMB said candidates must upload their O’Level results on the CAPS platform and it is vital to do so within the stipulated time.
The examination body said candidates who miss the deadline for uploading results face disqualification, but those who upload their results on time will not be excluded, especially if they meet the admission criteria.
“To facilitate this, the CAPS tracking system indicates the date, time and even seconds in which such results were uploaded and, as such, provides incontrovertible evidence in the event of disputes,” the statement said.
JAMB also added that it has engaged with universities to ensure a fair result and that the CAPS system has recorded the precise date and time of uploading the results, providing evidence in case of disputes.
Justice and equity
JAMB emphasizes its commitment to fairness and equity in addressing the procedural issue with the University of Lagos, even as it maintains that the efficiency of the CAPS platform allows students to access their rankings and admission status.
JAMB further said: “To protect the interests of all candidates, the Board assigns a reception officer to each institution to monitor their respective admission transactions and draw the attention of the administration to cases where they are not considered to be adhered to. equity, fairness and justice.”
“We also want the public to be aware that the Board will not abandon its legal responsibility to ensure that admissions processes are constantly monitored to protect any candidate from being defrauded.”
However, JAMB has asked candidates, “especially those with high scores, who are not offered admission and feel strongly that they deserve it, to take advantage of the Board’s complaints platform and obtain necessary fines, as their Complaints will be reviewed and resolved promptly.”
“If their application is deemed unsuccessful, they will be provided with sufficient reasons, if any, why they were not considered for admission. And where they have been unjustly denied their due rights, provided they have complied with all classification requirements, the Board will ensure that they obtain redress,” JAMB said.