Universities and other tertiary institutions running degree programs can no longer admit candidates on their sandwich, distance learning, part-time and other programs directly, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said.
The board also said it had cancelled the regularization of “backdoor admissions” conducted by higher institutions, going forward.
It directed that said henceforth, all admissions into various programs in tertiary institutions must be processed through JAMB, warning institutions not to flout the new rule.
JAMB announced the new advisory in its weekly news bulletin released yesterday in Abuja by its Head of Media and Protocol, Dr. Fabian Benjamin.
“The JAMB would no longer condone any illegal/ irregular admission by any institution,” the board warned.
The bulletin reads: “The advisory further made it clear that the new hardline position taken by the board was informed by the quantum of applications received from candidates for condoning illegal admissions, popularly known by candidates as ‘Regularization’.
“…Such ignoble acts would no longer be tolerated by the board.
“The advisory further reiterated that all applications for admissions to first degree, National Diploma (ND), National Innovation Diploma and the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) into full-time, Distance Learning, part-time, outreach, sandwich, among others, must be processed only through the JAMB.
“Consequently, institutions which are still involved in advertising or selling ‘application forms’ for admissions into the programs listed above were advised to desist forthwith.
“The advisory, therefore, enjoined institutions to advise their candidates to apply to them through the JAMB, adding that duplication of application forms is also not allowed.
“On the other hand, candidates are to ensure that any admission issued to them by any institution is routed through the board, even before considering to accept such offers.
“The advisory stated that the board would not succumb to pressure from any quarter to clear any candidate for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or other essential needs if he/she had accepted any admission from any institution which did not follow laid-down regulations, as emphasized above.
“The JAMB and the three regulatory agencies: the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) will ensure that all tertiary institutions comply with this policy directive.
“Other professional regulatory agencies are also expected to play critical roles in sanitizing the process. In the same vein, the board restated the need to streamline academic standards and maintained that the duration of all Non-full time studies must be maintained as approved by the regulatory agencies.”
The Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, has donated school desks to Comprehensive High School, Idu Uruan.
The Personal Assistant to the Speaker on General Duties, Mr. Godswill Bassey, who made the donation on the Speaker’s behalf recently, said the gesture was the Speaker’s way of reiterating his commitment to the development of this school and a way of creating an education-friendly environment for the students
“Comprehensive Secondary School, Idu Uruan is a school after the Speaker’s heart. Around February this year, he donated White Boards, Board Markers and Magnetic Dusters to this school through the foundation, the RHABYESS Foundation. He also facilitated the construction of an Assembly Hall and 4-Classrooms Blocks through the Inter Ministerial Direct Labour Committee,” he said.
He said the Desks is to cater for the needs of students whose parents could not afford desk.
Receiving the Chairs, the Vice Principal administration, Mr. Ephraim Ekpenyong and the Councilor representing Central Uruan Ward-1, Hon. Daniel Ufe, thanked the Speaker for his continued show of love and support to the educational sector and constituents.
The Sustainable Development Goals target for education will only be achieved in Nigeria if government and all relevant stakeholders take necessary steps to meeting the criteria set by the United Nations.
The Sustainable Development Goal 4, which is quality education, aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, expand higher education scholarships and increase the supply of qualified teachers in developing countries.
The SDG Goal 4 also focuses on building and upgrading education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive as well as provision of safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
Mrs UNYIME WILLIAM, a facilitator with Action Aid, spoke to Correspondent DIANIME UKO on the sidelines of a sensitization campaign to students of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua, on their roles in the achievement of the SDGs goal.
According to Mrs WILLIAM, there is an urgent need for government to fix infrastructure in primary, secondary and tertiary schools, pay bursary and give scholarships to deserving students and employ qualified and adequate teachers in order to meet the 2030 target.
The students also demanded that their classrooms, libraries and laboratories be upgraded and equipped to meet up with international standard to enhance learning.
Correspondent DIANIME UKO reports that Nigeria, which just turned 61 years old, has only nine more years to the 2030 deadline set for actualization of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Akwa Ibom State Government has frowned at unauthorized levies and fees purportedly imposed on pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools in the State.
The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Idongesit Etiebet stated this in an interview with Journalists over the weekend, shortly after the independence day celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital.
According to the Commissioner, several reports have been brought to her notice and accordingly, the investigative team from her office had long swing into action. She however, reassured that on conclusion of all Investigations, all erring school heads and Principals will be sanctioned accordingly.
Etiebet who reiterated that Education is free and compulsory in all public Primary and Secondary Schools in the state, cautioned those Head Teachers and Principals who are bent on sabotaging the State Government’s effort to desist from such actions.
According to the Education Boss, the massive rehabilitation of dilapidated structures in public schools, ongoing fencing projects, Prompt payment of WAEC fees, payment of subvention, recruitment of teachers, prompt payment of Teachers salaries, amongst others, are clear justification that Education remains a priority in the Governor Emmanuel’ completion agenda. She called on Teachers to compliment the state Government’s effort by discharging their responsibilities in line with the government’s Education policies.
Meanwhile, Parents and Guardians have again been advised to report all illegal charges and irregularities in public schools to the Akwa Ibom State Government through educationmonitoring1@gmail.com or 09035734549 and 07010293974 (WhatsApp and SMS only).
