JAMB says ‘point system’ not criteria for admission

Prof. Dibu Ojerinde.

One week after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) allegedly approved the point system option for admission into tertiary institutions in the country, the body insists that the Federal Government-approved option still holds sway.

Specifically, it says the 2016 admissions will be conducted purely on the three existing admission pillars of merit, catchment area and educational less developed states through prescribed processes.
The examining body said that the point system being peddled was a mere illustration made by the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the board, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde.

In a statement sent to The Guardian yesterday by Head, Media and Information of JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the board said rather than resort to the much touted point system, the Federal Government had approved the re-enforcement of admission guideline as recognised by law.
It continued, “This is not the point system as widely circulated in some media. It was meant to demonstrate how a few institutions were using the point system to select candidates while some of their counterparts were subjecting candidates to written test.

The body stressed that the 2016 admissions, as has been the practice in recent past, would be conducted purely on the three existing admission pillars.
The process is, “First, presentation of the list of candidates who qualify for screening into individual institution based on the three stipulated criteria mentioned above. This screening should not demand for another test in any form either written, oral or electronic.

“Candidates are to present their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results/Advanced Level (AL) results for verification and clearing purposes. WAEC, NECO and NBTE results or equivalent are acceptable as matriculation requirements.
“Each candidate is expected to have a minimum of five credit passes at SSCE including English language, mathematics and any other three relevant subjects to his or her discipline.

“The list of qualified candidates awaiting SSCE/AL results can be kept in view, pending the release of their results,’ adding ‘any candidate who does not posses the requirements as listed above is deemed to have failed the screening,” said the statement.
It continued, “Consideration of the recommended list as forward by JAMB should be completed within one month from the date of receipt of the list. Any institution that has a shortfall in the admitted candidates can make-up for candidates from other departments on the institutions list.

Reasons for rejection of candidates on the list should be clearly stated with proofs provided alongside, which it describes as imperative so that the general public will note the correct process.