'JAMB imposing private universities on Nigerian youths — UI ASUU

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is promoting private universities with its controversial decision to redistribute candidates for post-UTME exams, says the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Speaking with journalists on Monday in Ibadan, the Chairman of the University of Ibadan (UI) chapter of ASUU, Prof. Segun Ajiboye, said the examination body is being manipulated by private university proprietors.

“It is sad that JAMB has suddenly become promoters of private university by imposing an unpopular policy on the preferences and choices of Nigerian youths," Ajiboye said.

JAMB had, thorough the head of JAMB, Lagos, Dr. Beatrice Okorie, said it redistributed candidates to give candidates a better chance at securing admission by moving them to institutions that need them.

But Ajiboye said the decision is only meant to favor private universities who charge exorbitant fees.

“JAMB’s concept of ‘needy’ institutions needs deconstruction here.

"Needy universities are basically private universities in Nigeria that charge exorbitant fees with less than required manpower."

The union boss argued that JAMB did not have the right to make the decision and has by implication deceived the candidates.

“JAMB lacks the power to change the rules of admission in the middle of the process after deceiving candidates to pick universities, polytechnics and colleges of education as options when it sold out forms to them," he added.

The reassignment move had been heavily criticized in many quarters.

A non-governmental Organization, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), had sued the examination body over the decision.