Even as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is yet to release the results of candidates who sat for its underage screening examination across Nigeria penultimate week, the education sector was jolted by a shocking rumour that the Federal Government had decided to allow tertiary institutions to handle their admissions independently—an action that would render JAMB redundant. But as the dust settled, it became clear that the claim was false, with the Federal Ministry of Education swiftly reaffirming JAMB’s statutory authority over admissions into all tertiary institutions in the country.
The underage screening exercise, which held in Abuja, Lagos, and Owerri between October 8 and 9, featured 176 candidates, out of which 84 were declared successful after meeting the set benchmarks for the 2025/2026 academic session. To qualify, candidates were required to score at least 320 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), secure a minimum of 80 percent in their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), achieve another 80 percent in the internal screening of their chosen universities, and finally, 80 percent in the JAMB-supervised oral screening.
The panels were chaired by distinguished academics including Prof. Adamu Ahmed of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Prof. Taoheed Adedoja in Abuja; and Prof. Paulinus Okwelle of the National Commission for Colleges of Education, who led the Owerri session. In Lagos, Prof. Boniface Nworgu, a respected psychometrician, chaired the second day’s proceedings after Prof. Ahmed’s departure, supported by top educationists like Dr. Rafiu Soyele, Prof. Lawrence Ezeminye, and Mrs. Mary Millicent Nnawuogo.
Observers described the exercise at the University of Lagos as a blend of excellence and warmth. The oral interviews were conducted in a friendly, mentor-like manner, easing the anxiety of the young candidates. JAMB spared no effort in ensuring the participants’ comfort—providing food, snacks, and drinks throughout the two-day exercise. True to his reputation, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, maintained his trademark humour, reminding the candidates of how privileged they were to be seated in the university’s Senate Chamber—an honour even many older students never enjoyed.
Beyond the laughter and light-hearted exchanges, the exercise reflected Oloyede’s meticulous approach to management and transparency. Despite the high cost of logistics, JAMB neither charged candidates a fee nor compromised standards. This efficiency, analysts noted, mirrors the reason the board continues to remit billions of naira to the Federal Government annually, a feat credited to Oloyede’s prudent leadership.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Education swiftly dismissed the rumour about JAMB’s purported scrapping, describing it as “a satanic dream.” A statement signed by Boriowo Folasade on behalf of the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed that “JAMB remains the statutory and legally empowered body responsible for conducting entrance examinations and coordinating admissions into all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.”
The successful conduct of the underage screening has been widely commended as a model of efficiency, transparency, and care. Parents, though occasionally overzealous, were well managed, and candidates maintained calmness and discipline throughout. As JAMB awaits the official release of results, one thing stands clear—the board, under Oloyede’s stewardship, continues to raise the bar of integrity and innovation in Nigeria’s education system.