Who is Olasola Jamiu? The FUTA graduate at the centre of JAMB admission controversy

In a stunning turn of events that has thrown Nigeria’s educational system into the spotlight, Olasola Jamiu, a recent graduate of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has found himself at the center of national attention. His story—of loss, resilience, academic achievement, and an unexpected blow from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)—has sparked outrage, sympathy, and renewed scrutiny of the country’s admissions system.

Here’s an in-depth look into who he is, what happened, and the major questions people are asking about his case.

Who Is Olasola Jamiu and What Was His Academic Journey?

Olasola Jamiu is a young Nigerian who was admitted to FUTA in 2018 to study Civil Engineering. According to reports, he sat for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in 2017 and proceeded to the university the following year. A diligent and determined student, Jamiu managed to push through years of academic rigor despite severe personal hardship—including the loss of both parents during his course of study.

In 2024, he successfully completed his degree and prepared to take the next step: participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). However, that path was abruptly blocked.

What Is the JAMB Issue Affecting Olasola Jamiu?

Shortly after graduation, Jamiu attempted to register for NYSC but was denied. The reason? JAMB flagged his admission as unauthorised, claiming it had no record of his entry into the university. Despite having studied for over five years, passed all exams, and graduated officially from FUTA, JAMB’s records showed no link to him.

According to TheCable, when Jamiu approached the JAMB office in Akure to resolve the issue, he was reportedly told to “turn himself in to the DSS (Department of State Services)”—a move that intensified fears and confusion. To date, no conclusive evidence of wrongdoing has been found, but JAMB has stood by its claim that his admission was not processed through its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

Was Olasola Jamiu’s Admission Genuine?

This is the question many are asking—and the answer appears to be yes. Jamiu attended a federal university, had a matriculation number, sat for semester exams, paid tuition fees, and eventually graduated. There is no public evidence that he forged documents or manipulated the system.

What complicates his situation is that, while FUTA admitted him, it seems his admission was not regularised through JAMB’s official process. Whether this was an oversight by the institution, an administrative error, or a technical gap remains unclear. However, it’s evident Jamiu was never informed of any problem until after graduation.

How Common Is This Problem in Nigeria?

Unfortunately, Jamiu is not alone. Reports have revealed that over 14,000 graduates from various Nigerian universities have recently been flagged by JAMB for “unauthorised” or “illegal” admissions. Many of these individuals, like Jamiu, discovered the issue only after completing their programs—when they tried to enrol for NYSC or apply for jobs.

These cases point to a systemic flaw: universities are allegedly admitting students without properly documenting them with JAMB, while JAMB is unable—or unwilling—to detect the discrepancy until years later. The result? Students suffer the consequences of institutional failures they had no control over.

What Has Olasola Jamiu Said About the Situation?

Speaking to TheCable, Jamiu expressed frustration, sadness, and a sense of betrayal. “I have never been accused of any wrongdoing until I graduated,” he said. “I never imagined that after all the sacrifices I made, I would be denied the right to serve my country.”

He also revealed that he had made several efforts to correct the issue—including reaching out to JAMB, the police, FUTA authorities, and even trying to verify his original UTME records—but to no avail. As of now, he remains in limbo: a graduate with a degree, but no access to NYSC, no clearance for government jobs, and no valid national recognition of his student status.

Has FUTA Responded to the Controversy?

FUTA has yet to issue a comprehensive public statement explaining how Jamiu could have been allowed to study and graduate without proper JAMB clearance. However, sources close to the school suggest that the case is under internal investigation.

Observers argue that FUTA bears significant responsibility. Institutions are required to ensure that all admissions are processed through JAMB CAPS and properly registered. That FUTA did not detect or communicate this issue for over five years points to administrative lapses that may have affected dozens or even hundreds of students.

What Legal and Institutional Remedies Are Available to Olasola Jamiu?

At the moment, Jamiu’s options are limited. He may pursue legal redress, demand a formal inquiry, or seek intervention from the Federal Ministry of Education or the National Assembly. Advocacy groups and student unions have called on JAMB to introduce a grace period or special amnesty window for students caught in such irregularities without fault of their own.

Experts argue that a reconciliation framework must be created for affected graduates. Such a framework would allow individuals like Jamiu to regularise their admissions without being treated as criminals or subjected to lengthy, bureaucratic procedures.

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What Are Nigerians Saying About Olasola Jamiu’s Case?

The response online has been explosive. On social media, Nigerians are using hashtags like #JusticeForOlasola and #FixJAMBNow to express outrage. Many see Jamiu as a symbol of a broken system where the innocent suffer while institutions evade accountability.

Parents, education stakeholders, and recent graduates have expressed fear and concern. If a student can spend over five years in a federal university and still be deemed “unadmitted” after graduation, what does that say about the system’s integrity?

Olasola Jamiu’s Case Is Bigger Than One Student

The tragedy of Olasola Jamiu is not his alone. It is a reflection of deep-rooted dysfunction in Nigeria’s tertiary education system. His story demands not just sympathy, but urgent reform. JAMB, universities like FUTA, and the federal government must re-examine admission and regularisation processes to ensure that students are not unfairly punished for administrative errors.

For Jamiu, and thousands like him, justice means recognition—not just of their admission—but of their struggle, their resilience, and their right to build a future after graduation.