Introduces AI-powered operations, single mobile app, paperless administration and stronger data security under ‘JAMB 2031’ agenda
The new Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Segun Aina, has unveiled an ambitious five-year reform blueprint that promises to fundamentally transform Nigeria’s tertiary admissions system through digital innovation, institutional transparency and improved candidate experience.
The reform package, branded “JAMB 2031: Building Trust, Reducing Trauma,” marks the first major policy direction of Aina’s administration since he assumed office on August 1, signalling a shift towards a technology-driven admissions system designed to reduce bureaucracy, strengthen public confidence and simplify access to JAMB services.
Presenting the roadmap during his first official media briefing as Registrar, Aina said the reforms would be implemented under five strategic pillars—Integrity, Service, Governance, Technology and Partnerships—with the ultimate goal of making JAMB more efficient, accountable and user-friendly.
Single mobile app to replace multiple platforms
Among the flagship initiatives is the development of a comprehensive JAMB mobile application that will consolidate nearly all candidate services into one digital platform.
Once operational, candidates will be able to register, manage their profiles, receive examination updates, track admissions, access notifications and perform several transactions directly from their mobile devices without navigating multiple portals or making unnecessary visits to accredited CBT centres.
The registrar said the initiative is intended to make JAMB services faster, more accessible and less stressful for millions of candidates.
JAMB to become fully paperless
In what could become one of the Board’s biggest administrative overhauls since its establishment, JAMB will migrate its internal operations to a fully paperless enterprise management system.
The digital transition is expected to reduce paperwork, eliminate delays associated with manual processing, improve record management and enhance institutional efficiency while lowering operational costs.
According to Aina, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s drive towards digital public service delivery.
Artificial Intelligence takes centre stage
JAMB is also set to deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics across critical aspects of its operations.
The technology, the registrar explained, will support planning, improve decision-making, strengthen examination security, detect operational risks and enable faster responses to emerging challenges within Nigeria’s admissions ecosystem.
The adoption of AI represents one of the most significant technological shifts in the Board’s history.
Technology infrastructure to undergo independent audit
As part of efforts to strengthen confidence in JAMB’s digital platforms, the Board will commission a comprehensive independent audit of its technology infrastructure.
The assessment will examine existing systems, identify vulnerabilities, improve cybersecurity and recommend upgrades capable of supporting the growing number of UTME candidates annually.
Global information security certification
To improve data protection, JAMB is pursuing ISO 27001 certification, the internationally recognised benchmark for information security management systems.
If achieved, the certification would strengthen the protection of candidates’ personal information while reinforcing confidence in the Board’s increasingly digital operations.
Faster response to candidate complaints
Recognising longstanding complaints over delayed responses to admission and examination-related issues, the Board plans to establish a centralised customer service platform that will serve as a single channel for enquiries, complaints and support requests.
The new system is expected to improve response time, strengthen communication with stakeholders and significantly reduce what Aina described as the “trauma” many candidates experience during the admissions process.
New communication strategy
Beyond operational reforms, JAMB will embark on a strategic institutional rebranding programme aimed at improving public communication.
The Board intends to engage stakeholders more proactively, provide clearer information during admission exercises and minimise misinformation that often surrounds examinations and admissions.
People remain central to the reforms
While technology features prominently in the reform agenda, Aina stressed that sustainable institutional change cannot be achieved through digital tools alone.
His administration plans to invest in staff welfare, continuous professional development and organisational capacity building to improve productivity and service delivery across the Board.
Why the reforms matter
The reforms come at a critical period for Nigeria’s tertiary admissions system, which continues to face increasing pressure from rising candidate numbers and limited admission spaces.
Every year, millions of candidates compete for places in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, making efficiency, transparency and timely communication more important than ever.
Education stakeholders believe that if fully implemented, the JAMB 2031 agenda could significantly improve how candidates interact with the Board, reduce administrative bottlenecks, strengthen examination integrity and modernise admissions management in line with global best practices.
For many prospective students and their families, the success of the reforms will ultimately be measured not by the sophistication of the technology introduced, but by a simpler question: Will the admissions process become easier, fairer and less stressful than it is today?
