JAMB’s New Admission Requirements for Foreign Students

JAMB has recently updated its guidelines for the enrolment of international students into Nigerian universities. This marks a significant shift from the previous regulations established in November 2019.

The new guidelines are outlined in detail in the document titled “GUIDELINES FOR THE 2021 ADMISSIONS EXERCISE.” Aspiring students and educational institutions need to understand these changes to ensure a smooth admissions process.

Overview of the Revised Requirements

On October 10, 2023, a memo detailing revised prerequisites for foreign student admissions into Nigerian universities was released.

The memo, signed by the Director of Information Technology Services at JAMB, Mr. Fabian Okoro, lays out a systematic approach to handling foreign student admissions. This memo provides educational bodies and foreign applicants with a clearer framework for the admissions process.

Detailed Admission Process for Foreign Students

The Role of the University

Initial Submission to JAMB

• As per the revised guidelines, universities are required to compile and submit a roster of all new foreign students seeking current admission to the respective State JAMB Office.
• Accompanying this list must be a letter of indemnity from the institution’s head, affirming that all candidates meet the institution’s admission criteria and indemnifying JAMB against any inaccuracies.

Communication with JAMB’s Director of Admissions

• As per the revised guidelines, universities are required to compile and submit a roster of all new foreign students seeking current admission to the respective State JAMB Office.
• The same list and letter of indemnity should also be sent to the JAMB Director of Admissions via the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) mail, ensuring a dual submission for verification purposes.

The Candidate’s Journey

• According to the revised guidelines, candidates are directed to their respective State JAMB Office to create profiles on the JAMB facility platform. It’s imperative to note that only the State JAMB Office, where the university is located, will service these profiles.
• The application form is only accessible and fillable at the State JAMB Office. Any candidate not previously listed by the institution cannot process their application.
• Upon completing the registration, candidates will receive a unique Registration Number and a Transaction ID. Each candidate must print and submit an auto-generated Indemnity Form to their institution for further verification and endorsement by the head of the institution.
• The institution’s head is tasked with authorizing the candidate’s application online. This step is critical as it facilitates the candidate’s details being made available on CAPS, enabling the institution to propose and recommend the candidate for JAMB’s final approval.

What This Means for International Students and Institutions

The revised guidelines for the enrolment of international students into Nigerian universities place a greater onus on both the educational institutions and the candidates to ensure the accuracy of the information provided.

For candidates, it underscores the importance of adhering to the specified procedures and communicating closely with their chosen institution throughout the admissions process.

Conclusion

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Nigeria has recently updated its guidelines for the enrolment of international students into Nigerian universities.

The revised criteria introduced by JAMB signify a step towards more rigorous and transparent admissions protocols for international students.

This ensures that only candidates who fulfill the specified admission criteria are considered, thereby maintaining the integrity and standard of higher education in Nigeria.