JOINT ADMISSIONS AND MATRICULATION BOARD DECREE, 1978

A Decree establishes the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to conduct the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination for admissions into Nigerian universities and other institutions. It targets candidates seeking entry into tertiary education and the institutions themselves. This standardizes and ensures merit-based admissions across the country.

What Is This Policy?

The original decree establishing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as the body responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Who Does It Target?

All candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions Federal and state universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education The National Universities Commission and NBTE Federal Ministry of Education

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Standardise and regulate admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria through a centralised examination and placement system, ensuring merit-based admissions.

Key Features

UTME Administration: JAMB administers the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually for hundreds of thousands of candidates. Centralised Placement: JAMB centrally processes admissions offers from all tertiary institutions. Cut-off Marks: JAMB and NUC set minimum score thresholds for different institutions and courses. Direct Entry: JAMB also administers Direct Entry admissions for candidates with higher-level qualifications.

Current Status

Rollout Stage: Active — JAMB conducts annual UTME examinations Coverage: Nationwide tertiary admissions system Beneficiaries: All tertiary admission candidates; universities; national education Funding: JAMB examination fees; Federal Government

How to Access

Register for UTME at https://www.jamb.gov.ng Pay the prescribed registration fee Sit the Computer-Based Test at an approved JAMB CBT centre Accept admission offer through the JAMB portal when offered Application method: Register and process admissions at https://www.jamb.gov.ng

Important Terms

JAMB centralised admissions system has reduced admission racketeering UTME scores are valid for the registration year only All admissions must be processed through JAMB — direct admissions outside JAMB are irregular

Impact & Metrics

JAMB processes over 1.5 million UTME registrations annually, making it one of the largest examination bodies in Africa.

Official Resources

Website: https://www.jamb.gov.ng Contact: Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)

Legal Framework

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Decree 1978 (now Act) is recognized under Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution as an existing law. It operates alongside the National Universities Commission Act, the National Policy on Education, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act 2011. The JAMB Act aligns with UNESCO's guidelines on student assessment and university admissions practices and was amended by the JAMB Act (Amendment) 2015 to expand its mandate.