More trouble for UNILAG, JAMB as SERAP heads to court

A non-governmental Organization has sued the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) over the controversial cut-off marks set for admissions.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) is seeking an order stopping JAMB, UNILAG and others from implementing the 250 score benchmark which is far above the 180 score set by JAMB as the nationwide university admission cut-off mark.

In a suit number FHC/L/CS/1139/2015, filed on Monday at the Federal High Court on behalf of SERAP and three applicants affected by the decision, Adeola Hammed Ayobami; Abass Ololade; and Abass Ajibola, by Adetokunbo Mumuni, it was argued that the decisions break Act establishing JAMB.

"The provisions of section 5(1) (c) (iii) of the JAMB Act are very clear and unambiguous," the suit read.

"The letter and spirit of the provisions is to ensure that the preferences of candidates in terms of the university they choose to attend are sacrosanct.

"Even a contrary or adverse decision by individual university cannot override decision made pursuant to the provisions of section (5)1) (c) (iii).”

SERAP wants the court to declare that the respondents' decision to raise the cut-off marks from the officially announced 180 to 250 is a direct violation of section 5(1)(c)(iii) of the JAMB Act cap 193 of the laws of the Federation which goes against the choices of the 2nd-4th applicants and all other candidates in the country.

The body also asked for “An order directing the respondents individually and/or collectively to reverse the decision to increase the cut-off point to 250 after stating publicly that it would be 180 and to fully and effectively implement the publicly announced 180 cut-off point.

"An order restraining the respondents individually and/or collectively from going ahead to implement the decision to increase the cut-off point to 250 instead of the publicly announced 180 cut-off point."

Joined in the suit, besides UNILAG and JAMB, are the permanent secretaries of the Federal Ministries of Justice and Education.

A date has not been set for hearing of the suit.