JAMB Cancels Special Concession for Albino Candidates

JAMB Cancels Special Concession for Albino Candidates

As registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) begins, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the cancellation of special concessions for candidates with albinism, citing abuse of the policy by individuals attempting to manipulate the process using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The announcement was made by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Isaq Oloyede, during a weekend meeting with state education commissioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory in Ikeja, Lagos. According to Oloyede, over 7,000 candidates last year falsely claimed albino status, prompting the Board to end special registration procedures for albino candidates.

Guidelines for Faith-Based Institutions

Prof. Oloyede also urged faith-based schools to clearly declare their religious orientation from the outset. He warned that institutions pretending to be secular but enforcing religious rules post-admission constitute deception, creating challenges for admitted students.

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“Faith-based institutions should declare from the onset what they are, so applicants will know what to expect. The law allows faith-based schools, but transparency is essential,” he said.

Returning Students and Course Change Rules

The Registrar highlighted that some undergraduates re-write the UTME, either to pursue a different course or to assist others in securing admission. He revealed that last year’s highest-scoring candidate was a 300-level student, underscoring the need for candidates to declare their current academic status. Failure to do so will result in disqualification and potential loss of existing admission.

“Students already in school who wish to change courses must disclose their status. Those found aiding others or misrepresenting themselves will face disqualification,” Oloyede added.

Admission Criteria and Transparency

Regarding admission quotas for federal institutions, Oloyede explained the distribution as follows: 45% merit, 20% catchment area, 20% educationally disadvantaged states, and the remaining 15% allocated for other considerations. The Board emphasized the importance of fair and transparent admission processes.

JAMB’s updates aim to ensure integrity, curb malpractice, and guide candidates and institutions ahead of the 2026 UTME registration.

JAMB Cancels Special Concession for Albino Candidates