By Erewunmi Peace

A student of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) has raised concerns over alleged challenges with his Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration status, warning that the issue could negatively affect his academic records and access to student-related opportunities.

According to a report by Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), the student claimed that he paid institutional fees which he believed covered JAMB registration or regularisation, but later discovered that his details were not properly reflected on JAMB’s system.

The student explained that the absence of a valid JAMB registration number has made it difficult for him to access certain official services that require JAMB verification, including applications tied to federal educational platforms.

Conflicting Responsibilities

The report noted that the student had approached both the university and JAMB-accredited centres for clarification but was allegedly redirected between the two without a clear resolution. This has raised questions about institutional responsibility in ensuring that distance-learning students are properly captured on JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

Education stakeholders have long emphasized that while candidates are required to create JAMB profiles using their National Identification Number (NIN), tertiary institutions are responsible for processing admissions through CAPS, especially for non-traditional programmes such as open and distance learning.

JAMB has, in previous public statements, clarified that it no longer supports admission regularisation (also known as condonement) for admissions conducted outside approved procedures. The board has also warned institutions against collecting fees on its behalf without authorization.

As of the time of reporting, NOUN has not issued a detailed public response addressing the specific claim. However, the situation has reignited conversations about the need for clear communication between universities and students, particularly regarding admission documentation and external regulatory requirements.

Education analysts advise prospective and current NOUN students to confirm their JAMB status early, ensure they have a valid JAMB registration number, and keep official payment receipts and correspondence for reference.

While the issue appears to be based on an individual complaint, it highlights broader concerns about administrative transparency and coordination between educational institutions and regulatory bodies. Observers say clearer guidelines and prompt institutional responses could help prevent similar challenges in the future.