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  • Sowore Pledges to Scrap JAMB, Replace NYSC With Two-Year Voluntary Job Corps

    African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore has promised to abolish the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and replace the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) with a voluntary National Job Corps if elected president in 2027.

    Sowore unveiled the proposals in a statement shared on his X account on Thursday, describing them as part of his plans to reform Nigeria’s education and youth development sectors.

    Sowore proposes end to JAMB

    The  presidential candidate said tertiary institutions should be responsible for admitting their students without going through what he described as an unnecessary layer of bureaucracy.

    “When I become President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, JAMB will be abolished. Admission into tertiary institutions should be determined by the institutions themselves under a transparent, merit-based system, not by another layer of bureaucracy,” he wrote.

    He argued that universities, polytechnics and colleges of education should have greater control over their admission processes while maintaining transparency and merit.

    Plans to replace NYSC

    Sowore also proposed replacing the current compulsory one-year NYSC scheme with a two-year voluntary National Job Corps.

    According to him, the new programme would focus on guaranteed employment, practical skills, entrepreneurship support and pathways to permanent careers.

    “Nigeria’s young people do not need more compulsory schemes. They need opportunities, jobs, skills, and the freedom to choose their future,” he said.

    His proposal comes days after the Federal Executive Council approved major reforms to the NYSC, including the appointment of civilian leadership and a stronger focus on technology and skills development.

    Proposal sparks debate

    Sowore’s announcement has generated mixed reactions online.

    Supporters described the proposals as bold reforms capable of reducing bureaucracy and improving opportunities for young Nigerians.

    Others, however, questioned the feasibility of scrapping JAMB and replacing the NYSC, arguing that both institutions still play important roles in maintaining educational standards and promoting national integration.

    The proposals are expected to feature prominently in Sowore’s campaign as political activities ahead of the 2027 general election continue.

  • JAMB Fixes June 13 for 2026 UTME Mop-Up Exam for Affected Candidates

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced Saturday, June 13, 2026, as the date for the conduct of the mop-up Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates who were unable to sit for the 2026 examination despite being successfully biometrically verified.

    The examination body disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin.

    According to JAMB, the mop-up exercise is specifically for candidates who presented themselves for the 2026 UTME but could not take the examination due to technical glitches and related challenges recorded during the nationwide exercise conducted between April 23 and April 29, 2026.

    JAMB Explains Reason for Mop-Up Exam

    The board said several centres experienced technical difficulties during the examination period, preventing some candidates from writing the UTME despite completing the required verification process.

    “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has fixed Saturday, 13th June, 2026, for the conduct of the UTME mop-up examination for all candidates who presented themselves and were biometrically verified for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination but were unable to sit the examination for one reason or another,” the statement read.

    JAMB added that all affected candidates already identified by the board would be accommodated during the mop-up exercise.

    Candidates With Verification Issues Included

    The board also disclosed that some candidates who appeared for the examination but could not be successfully biometrically verified had equally been captured among those to be considered in the final mop-up arrangement.

    It further revealed that some examination results had earlier been withdrawn due to examination malpractice and infractions recorded during the UTME process.

    JAMB described the mop-up examination as the concluding phase of the annual UTME process aimed at resolving every pending issue involving candidates affected during the examination exercise.

    Candidates Asked to Print Notification Slips

    The board advised affected candidates to begin printing their examination notification slips from Saturday, June 6, 2026.

    Candidates were also urged to familiarise themselves with their examination centres and make adequate preparations ahead of the examination date.

    “Affected candidates are hereby urged to print their Examination Notification Slips, familiarise themselves with their examination centres, and make all necessary arrangements ahead of the examination date, as there will be no further opportunity for any candidate to sit the 2026 UTME after this mop-up exercise,” JAMB stated.

    2026 UTME Admission Process Continues

    Over two million candidates participated in the 2026 UTME conducted nationwide in April.

    JAMB has since released the results and retained the minimum admission cut-off marks at 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnics.

    The board has also opened its portal for candidates seeking change of course or institution for the 2026 admission cycle.

  • Tinubu Appoints 39-Year-Old Professor Segun Aina as New JAMB Registrar

    President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Segun Aina as the new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), succeeding Professor Is-haq Oloyede whose tenure expires on July 31, 2026.

    The appointment makes Aina, who is currently 39 years old, the youngest registrar in the history of the examination body.

    The announcement was confirmed in a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.

    Youngest JAMB Registrar Emerges

    Professor Aina, a computer engineering expert and systems specialist, is expected to officially assume office after the expiration of Oloyede’s second tenure.

    He is a professor of computer engineering at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and has over 15 years of experience in digital infrastructure, examination systems, and institutional reforms.

    According to the presidency, Tinubu expects him to build on the reforms and achievements recorded under the outgoing registrar.

    “President Tinubu expects Professor Aina to bring to bear his vast experience, knowledge and practical insight into the operations of the Board to take the critical educational organisation beyond the laudable heights achieved by his predecessor,” the statement said.

    Academic And Professional Background

    Aina studied Computer Systems Engineering at the University of Kent in the United Kingdom where he obtained a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

    He also earned a Master’s degree in Internet Computing and Network Security as well as a PhD in Digital Signal Processing from Loughborough University.

    The new registrar also completed the Senior Management Programme at Lagos Business School.

    He reportedly began his relationship with JAMB during his National Youth Service year, where he gained early experience in admissions and examination systems.

    Experience In Education Technology

    Over the years, Aina has consulted for major examination bodies including NECO and NABTEB, advising on ICT systems, examination integrity, and digital reforms.

    He has also worked with federal and state governments on institutional transformation and policy design.

    The professor is a member of several professional organisations including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, COREN, IEEE, and the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

    Oloyede’s Tenure Ends

    Professor Is-haq Oloyede, who has led JAMB since 2016, is widely credited with introducing major reforms in the board’s operations, particularly in revenue transparency, CBT examination systems, and admission processes.

    His tenure officially ends on July 31, 2026, after completing two terms in office.

  • JAMB Speaks On Delay In Printing 2026 UTME Original Result Slips

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that printing of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) original result slips has not yet been activated, urging candidates nationwide to remain patient.

    JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

    Why Printing Has Not Started

    According to the board, the delay is connected to the completion of foreign examinations and preparations for the mop-up examination for candidates who missed the main UTME through no fault of theirs.

    “The printing of the 2026 UTME Original Result Slip has not yet been activated. Candidates are kindly urged to be patient as the Board has just concluded the foreign examinations and is also preparing to conduct the mop-up examination for candidates who were unable to sit for the main examination through no fault of theirs,” the statement read.

    JAMB explained that the UTME remains a ranking examination and that the original result slip contains the ranking position of candidates, making it necessary for all pending processes to be completed before the portal is activated.

    “Candidates are reminded that the UTME is a ranking examination, and the Original Result Slip contains the ranking of candidates. Consequently, all necessary processes must be completed before the slips can be released,” Benjamin added.

    Candidates Await Portal Activation

    The examination body assured candidates that the portal for printing the original result slips would be activated once all adjustments had been finalised.

    “As soon as the necessary adjustments are concluded, the printing portal will be activated. This will be done shortly, and candidates will be duly informed when to proceed with the printing of their result slips,” the statement added.

    JAMB also apologised for the delay and appealed for understanding from candidates and stakeholders.

    Candidates Express Frustration

    The development has triggered frustration among several candidates online, with many saying they urgently need access to their result slips for post-UTME screening, admission processing, and change of course or institution applications.

    The board had earlier enabled candidates to check their UTME scores through SMS using their registered phone numbers.

    The latest update comes weeks after JAMB announced 150 as the cut-off mark for university admission for the 2026 academic session.

  • Ekiti-Born Candidate Tops 2026 UTME With 372, Targets Medicine at UNILAG

    An Ekiti-born candidate, Owoeye Jesudunsin, has emerged as the highest scorer in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) after scoring 372 out of 400.

    The announcement was made by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board during its 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja on Monday.

    UNILAG medicine applicant leads 2026 ranking

    According to JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, Jesudunsin, who sat for the examination in Ogun State, applied to study Medicine and Surgery at University of Lagos.

    Her score of 372 places her at the top of the national ranking for the 2026 UTME exercise.

    The result is slightly below the highest score recorded in 2025, when Anambra-born Chinedu Okeke scored 375.

    Computer science and software engineering dominate top choices

    Ikenna Enwere from Imo State emerged second on the list after scoring 370.

    He selected Nile University as his first-choice institution and intends to study Computer Science.

    Closely behind him was Ayomide Bamisile from Ondo State, who scored 369.

    Bamisile applied to study Software Engineering at Federal University of Technology Akure.

    JAMB releases top scorers list

    The examination body released the list of the highest-performing candidates during the policy meeting attended by education stakeholders and tertiary institution heads.

    The development comes amid wider reforms in Nigeria’s admission process, including new policies announced by JAMB and the Federal Ministry of Education for the 2026/2027 academic session.

  • FG Retains 16 Years as Minimum Admission Age for Tertiary Institutions

    The Federal Government has maintained 16 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

    Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the decision on Monday during the 2026 policy meeting on admissions held in Abuja.

    FG Explains Why 16 Remains Admission Age

    According to the minister, the decision followed extensive consultations and policy reviews involving education stakeholders and government officials.

    Alausa stated that the policy was designed to balance inclusivity with academic readiness among students seeking tertiary education admission.

    “Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, government has maintained sixteen years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” he said.

    The minimum admission age Nigeria decision has continued generating reactions in latest Nigerian education news.

    Exceptionally Gifted Children to Follow Strict Guidelines

    The minister acknowledged that exceptionally gifted children exist but insisted that such cases must be handled carefully under strict guidelines.

    He explained that the government intends to protect the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s admission system.

    “While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines,” Alausa added.

    FG Warns Institutions Against Illegal Admissions

    The minister also warned tertiary institutions against conducting admissions outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) managed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

    According to him, admissions conducted outside the approved JAMB platform would be considered illegal and would not be recognised by the Federal Government.

    The JAMB CAPS admission warning has become one of the major talking points in breaking news Nigeria today as institutions prepare for the new admission cycle.

    Institutions Risk Sanctions, Licence Withdrawal

    Alausa stressed that institutions violating admission procedures could face severe sanctions, including suspension or withdrawal of operating licences.

    “I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions,” the minister stated.

    He added that the Federal Government would continue enforcing compliance to restore credibility and order within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

    FG Pushes Digitalisation of National Examinations

    The minister further disclosed that the government is intensifying efforts toward digitalisation in the education sector.

    According to him, computer-based testing and digital competency systems are now unavoidable realities in national examinations.

    He also revealed that the Federal Government had strengthened efforts to tackle examination malpractice through improved verification systems and stricter supervision.

  • JAMB Fixes 150 Cut-Off Mark for University Admissions in 2026/27 Session

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities for the 2026/27 academic session.

    The decision was announced on Monday during JAMB’s annual policy meeting held in Abuja.

    Vice-Chancellors Approve New UTME Benchmark

    According to JAMB, the cut-off mark was agreed upon after vice-chancellors and stakeholders voted during the meeting.

    The gathering was attended by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, alongside heads of tertiary institutions and other education stakeholders.

    Under the new arrangement, universities across Nigeria are expected to admit candidates who score a minimum of 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The JAMB cut-off mark 2026 announcement has already generated widespread reactions in latest Nigerian education news.

    Polytechnics, Nursing Colleges Get Different Benchmarks

    JAMB also approved 150 as the minimum admissible score for Colleges of Nursing across the country.

    Meanwhile, polytechnics were cleared to admit candidates with a minimum UTME score of 100.

    The examination body explained that the approved benchmarks represent only the minimum national requirement for admissions.

    However, institutions are still permitted to set higher cut-off marks depending on the competitiveness of their courses and programmes.

    Competitive Courses Expected to Demand Higher Scores

    Over the years, universities offering highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering have maintained admission requirements significantly above JAMB’s minimum benchmark.

    Education stakeholders expect the same trend to continue for the 2026/27 admission cycle.

    The latest JAMB admission policy has continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today as students and parents react to the new benchmarks.

    JAMB Speaks on Admission Reforms

    The board stated that the cut-off marks were approved after extensive deliberations aimed at balancing access to tertiary education with the need to maintain academic standards.

    The announcement also comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, including recent decisions affecting admission processes for candidates applying to education and agriculture-related programmes.

    Candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions for the 2026/27 academic session are expected to begin processing their applications based on the newly approved guidelines.

  • FG Removes UTME Requirement for NCE Admissions in Colleges of Education

    The Federal Government has scrapped the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) requirement for candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes across colleges of education.

    The announcement was made on Monday during the 2026 JAMB policy meeting held in Abuja.

    Alausa Announces New Admission Guidelines

    Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed that under the new policy, prospective NCE candidates will no longer be required to sit for UTME before gaining admission.

    Instead, applicants will now only need a minimum of four O-level credit passes in relevant subjects to qualify for entry into colleges of education.

    The education reform move has already begun generating reactions in latest Nigerian education news over its potential impact on access to teacher training institutions.

    Government Explains Reason for Policy Change

    According to the minister, the decision is aimed at reducing the administrative workload on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and simplifying the admission process.

    He noted that the reform is part of broader efforts to improve access to tertiary education and encourage more students to pursue teaching careers in Nigeria.

    The Federal Government education policy shift is expected to affect admission processes in colleges of education nationwide.

    What the New Admission Policy Means for Candidates

    Under the revised guidelines, candidates applying for NCE programmes will no longer go through the UTME screening process handled by JAMB.

    Education stakeholders say the change could increase enrolment into colleges of education, especially among students who previously struggled with UTME requirements.

    The development has continued to trend in breaking news Nigeria today as reforms in the education sector gain national attention.

    Education Sector Reform Gains Momentum

    The Ministry of Education has in recent months introduced several reforms aimed at restructuring admission pathways across tertiary institutions.

    Officials say the latest policy is expected to ease pressure on examination bodies while expanding opportunities for students interested in teaching professions.

  • Family Begs Elumelu to Drop Complaint After Arrest of 18-Year-Old Over Viral Divorce Post

    The family of an 18-year-old UTME candidate, Kingsley Akunemeihe, has appealed to businessman Tony Elumelu to withdraw a complaint that led to the teenager’s arrest over a viral post claiming Elumelu had divorced his wife.

    The incident has sparked concern over the arrest of the student shortly after writing his JAMB exam.

    Teen arrested after exam

    Kingsley was reportedly arrested on April 18 while returning from his Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

    His sister, Ngozi Akunemeihe, said he was taken into custody and has remained detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department for over a week.

    “He was coming back from his JAMB exam when he was arrested and never got home,” she said.

    Family claims post was reshared

    According to Ngozi, the controversial post did not originate from her brother.

    She explained that he only reshared it from another account on X, believing it to be true at the time.

    After being alerted that the claim was false and defamatory, she said he deleted the post and issued a public apology.

    “He realised it was wrong and apologised. The apology is still on his handle,” she said.

    Appeal for leniency

    The family said the teenager was arrested about 10 days after the incident despite his apology.

    Ngozi pleaded with Elumelu to consider her brother’s age and show mercy.

    “He is just 18… a teenager who acted out of ignorance. I am begging you to withdraw the complaint so that he can come back home,” she said.

    Growing concerns

    The case has raised questions about the treatment of young social media users and the consequences of sharing unverified information online.

    As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Tony Elumelu regarding the family’s appeal.

  • JAMB Fixes May 11 Policy Meeting to Decide 2026 Admission Cut-Off Marks

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has fixed May 11, 2026, for its annual policy meeting to determine admission guidelines for tertiary institutions.

    Meeting to set cut-off marks

    JAMB said the meeting will decide the minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) cut-off marks for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education for the 2026/2027 academic session.

    The announcement was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin.

    Key stakeholders to attend

    According to JAMB, the meeting will hold in Abuja and bring together major players in the education sector.

    Participants are expected to include vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, registrars, and admission officers from institutions across the country.

    Representatives of regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission, National Commission for Colleges of Education, and the National Board for Technical Education will also be present.

    Minister to unveil policy direction

    The board disclosed that the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, will outline key policy directions for the upcoming admission cycle.

    JAMB said the meeting will formally set the tone for the admission process and ensure institutions comply with approved guidelines.

    Focus on transparency and coordination

    Benjamin noted that the gathering will allow stakeholders to review challenges affecting admissions and agree on a framework for the new academic session.

    He added that goodwill messages will be delivered by key institutions, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and the National Youth Service Corps.

    According to him, this reflects the need for coordinated planning in managing admissions and national manpower development.

    Awards to recognise compliance

    The statement added that the sixth edition of the National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit Awards will be held during the event.

    JAMB said the initiative has improved transparency and strengthened adherence to admission guidelines across institutions.

    The outcome of the meeting is expected to guide admission processes for the 2026/2027 academic session.