The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has abolished special concessions and registration procedures previously granted to candidates with albinism for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), citing abuse of the privilege to perpetrate examination malpractice.
According to Prof. Isaq Oloyede, the Registrar of JAMB, the decision was taken at a meeting between JAMB management and Commissioners for Education from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, held in Ikeja, Lagos. Oloyede stated that despite safeguards introduced by the Board, some individuals remained determined to circumvent the system.
“We have stopped some concessions we gave albino candidates. This is because some are using artificial intelligence to manipulate the registration process to look like they are albinos because of the consideration we gave them,” Oloyede said.
The Board also warned faith-based tertiary institutions to clearly declare their religious status at the point of admission, saying it is deceptive to present as secular and later impose religious rules on students. Oloyede emphasized that JAMB would not tolerate any form of malpractice, and institutions found guilty would face consequences.
The meeting was convened to review and assess previous admission exercises, and the decisions taken were aimed at maintaining the integrity of the examination process. Oloyede noted that over 7,000 candidates claimed to be albinos in the previous year, a figure that raised suspicions and prompted the Board to take action.
“We have stopped special registration procedures for albinos,” Oloyede said, adding that the Board would ensure that all candidates are treated equally and without any special treatment.
The Nigeria Education News interviewed stakeholders, who expressed mixed reactions to the decision. “While it is unfortunate that some individuals are abusing the system, we should not punish the genuine candidates with albinism who need the concessions,” said Mrs. Aisha Mohammed, a disability rights activist.
On the other hand, Prof. Yusuf Adamu, an education expert, welcomed the decision, saying, “It is high time JAMB took steps to curb malpractice and ensure the integrity of the examination process.”
The JAMB Registrar assured that the Board would continue to work with stakeholders to ensure that the examination process is fair and transparent.
