FUTA’s Basola Jamiu Owodunni: 10 ways to know if your admission was approved by JAMB

The recent case of Basola Jamiu Owodunni, a Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) graduate whose admission was flagged seven years after gaining entry into university, has reignited concerns about Nigeria’s admission verification system.

Many graduates now fear they might suffer the same fate—being denied mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) because their admission was never officially approved by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

To avoid such devastating outcomes, it is crucial for students, both prospective and current, to verify that their admission has been duly recognised and processed by JAMB. Here are 10 ways to confirm if your admission is JAMB-approved:

1. Check the JAMB Admission Status Portal

The first and most reliable way is to log into the JAMB e-facility portal. Use your JAMB registration number and password to access the “Check Admission Status” feature. If your name appears with your course and institution, it means your admission is approved.

This status page is directly linked to the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which JAMB uses to regulate all admissions in Nigeria.

2. Verify Your Name on the JAMB Matriculation List

According to JAMB, only candidates whose names appear on the matriculation list are recognised as bonafide students of Nigerian tertiary institutions. To check, visit:

If your name is not on the list, you’re advised to regularise your admission to avoid issues with NYSC or further studies.

3. Accept Your Admission on CAPS

When a candidate is offered admission through JAMB CAPS, they must click “Accept Admission” on their profile dashboard. Failure to accept the admission may result in JAMB assuming you declined the offer, leaving your record unverified.

Always ensure you complete this step—even if you received your admission letter directly from the university.

4. Print and Secure Your JAMB Admission Letter

The official JAMB Admission Letter is a key document that confirms your status. This letter carries your name, registration number, institution, course of study, and date of admission. It can be printed from the JAMB portal after your admission has been accepted.

If you never printed a JAMB admission letter, your admission might not have been officially recognised.

5. Confirm Your Institution Upload on CAPS

Universities are required to upload candidate details to JAMB’s CAPS for final approval. If your institution did not forward your name or uploaded it late, JAMB may not validate your admission—even if you graduated.

Students should always follow up with their school’s admission office to ensure their data has been uploaded correctly.

6. Regularise If You Were Admitted Without JAMB

If you entered through Direct Entry (DE) or were admitted through other unofficial means (e.g., transfer, part-time before conversion), you may need to apply for JAMB regularisation.

Regularisation links your institutional admission with JAMB’s database, making you eligible for NYSC and official recognition. Regularisation forms are accessible via the JAMB portal under “Late Application”.

7. Compare JAMB Course and Institution with Your School Admission

Your JAMB admission letter should match your university offer letter. If there’s a mismatch—such as JAMB showing Physics while your school records show Engineering—you could face future problems. In such cases, Change of Course/Institution should be completed on the JAMB portal to align the records.

8. Ensure You Were Not a “Backdoor Admission” Case

Some institutions allegedly admit students outside the JAMB CAPS process, commonly referred to as “backdoor” or illegal admissions. These cases are now being flagged by JAMB as unauthorised.

If your name didn’t go through CAPS and was not approved by JAMB, your admission may be considered void—regardless of your academic progress.

9. Follow Up on Suspicious Delays or “Admission Not Given Yet” Messages

If your CAPS dashboard shows “Admission Not Given Yet” months after your university claims you were admitted, that’s a red flag. This could mean your school hasn’t uploaded your name to CAPS, or JAMB has not approved it.

Contact both your school’s admission office and JAMB support immediately to resolve it.

10. Keep All Admission-Related Receipts and Documents

Always save copies of your UTME result, admission offer from the university, school acceptance fee receipts, and communication with JAMB. These documents can serve as evidence if your admission is later challenged.

In cases like Olasola Jamiu’s, having a trail of verified documents may aid your defense and provide leverage during investigations.

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Final Advice for Students and Parents

The heartbreaking case of Olasola Jamiu is a wake-up call for thousands of Nigerian students. Do not assume that university admission automatically equates to JAMB validation. Always cross-check with JAMB and ensure your details are aligned. Ignorance of the process could cost you your NYSC, job opportunities, or international study prospects.