The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Nigeria 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. For aspiring students and educational institutions, understanding these changes is crucial for a smooth admissions process.
Overview of the Revised Requirements
On October 10, 2023, a memo detailing these revised prerequisites was disclosed, providing educational bodies and foreign applicants with a clearer framework. 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.
Detailed Admission Process for Foreign Students
The Role of the University
Initial Submission to JAMB
- The Letter of Indemnity: Universities are now 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
- Through CAPS Mail: 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
Profile Creation at State JAMB Office
- Exclusive to State JAMB Office: 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.
Filling the Application Form
- FRESH FOREIGN Application Form: This form is only accessible and fillable at the State JAMB Office. Any candidate not previously listed by the institution will be unable to process their application.
Post-Registration Steps
- Registration Number and Transaction ID: Upon completing the registration, candidates will receive a unique Registration Number and a Transaction ID.
- Printing the Indemnity Form: 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.
Finalisation by the Head of Institution
- Online Authorisation: The institution’s head is tasked with authorising 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
This revamped process places a greater onus on both the educational institutions and the candidates to ensure the accuracy of information provided. For candidates, it underscores the importance of adhering to the specified procedures and being in close communication with their chosen institution throughout the admissions process.
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Conclusion
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 fulfil the specified admission criteria are considered, thereby maintaining the integrity and standard of higher education in Nigeria. It is essential for all stakeholders, particularly foreign applicants and university administrators, to familiarise themselves with these new guidelines to facilitate a seamless admissions process.
