Did Graceland Polytechnic Scam Its Graduates? How Fake Admissions, Missing JAMB Records and Delayed Accreditation Are Destroying Students’ Futures in Kwara State

How can a student graduate with a Distinction and a CGPA of 3.72—only to be told years later that his admission never officially existed? This troubling question now surrounds Graceland Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State, where dozens of National Diploma (ND) graduates say their academic journeys have been invalidated by alleged fake admissions and unaccredited programmes.

One Mass Communication graduate, who completed his studies in 2022, believed his strong performance would naturally lead to HND or Direct Entry admission into a university. But when he visited the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) office in Ilorin, he was shocked to learn that his name was missing from CAPS and all official admission platforms. According to JAMB officials, the polytechnic had never uploaded his admission for validation—meaning, on paper, he had never been admitted at all.

Was this an administrative oversight—or a systemic failure that misled students for years? The graduate said repeated attempts to seek clarification from his department and ICT unit led nowhere, forcing him to abandon his dream of further education.

Other graduates tell similar stories. A student identified as Stephen described years of fear, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion as his future remained frozen. Another, Kenny, said he gave up entirely on academics after realizing that his ND certificate lacked recognition, choosing business over a degree that institutions would not accept.

The crisis appears to go beyond one department. Graduates from Science and Laboratory Technology (SLT) revealed that accreditation was only granted after many students had already graduated or attempted to progress, rendering their certificates useless for further studies. Students allege that despite repeated assurances from management that programmes such as Mass Communication, SLT, Accountancy, and Computer Science were fully accredited, many were not.

Did students unknowingly spend years paying fees for programmes that had no official standing? A leaked audio recording deepened concerns, with a former Head of Department allegedly advising students to abandon hopes of HND or Direct Entry and to use their ND only for employment—or start afresh through JAMB.

While the school was approved by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in 2019 after being founded in 2013, the Registrar has admitted that accreditation for some courses only came in early 2025, excluding earlier graduates. He acknowledged the students’ suffering but described the situation as one inherited from past management.

For affected graduates, the issue goes beyond paperwork. They speak of stolen years, broken trust, wasted finances, and futures unfairly placed on hold. Many are now calling on regulatory authorities to investigate the institution, warning that without accountability, more young Nigerians may fall victim to what they describe as an education scam disguised as opportunity.

Is this merely a case of poor administration—or a deeper failure in Nigeria’s education oversight system?

BORNO POLICE RECOVER 912 ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION

The Borno State Police Command has recorded a major security breakthrough with the recovery of a hidden cache of ammunition in Maiduguri.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, the discovery was made last Sunday when the Divisional Police Officer of Lamisula Division, acting on credible intelligence, led a team of operatives to the Kumshe Jamba Mari area of the metropolis.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was immediately deployed, and the area was secured before the safe recovery of nine hundred and twelve rounds of B32 API ammunition, calibre 7.62 by 51 millimetres.

The recovered ammunition has been secured, while investigations are ongoing to trace its source and intended use, as well as arrest those behind it.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Abdulmajid, commended members of the public for providing timely information and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing.

He also urged residents to continue cooperating with the Police by reporting suspicious activities within their communities.

No Increase in 2026 UTME, Direct Entry Fees as JAMB Assures Nigerians, Announces Registration Dates and Upholds Tinubu’s Human-Face Policy

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has assured candidates and parents that there will be no increment in the cost of application forms for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE). In its Weekly Bulletin, the Board stated that it has not raised examination fees in the past nine years and has even reduced registration costs under the current administration.

JAMB explained that any future adjustment would only be considered if absolutely necessary to maintain the integrity, quality, and credibility of its examinations. The policy, it said, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive—conveyed through the Minister of Education—that government agencies must adopt a “human-face” approach and be sensitive to the economic realities facing Nigerian families. The Board emphasized that the cost for the 2026 exercise will remain largely the same as in the previous year, enabling families to plan ahead.

The examination body urged parents and guardians to make early preparations and ensure timely registration, warning that the registration window will not be extended once it opens. JAMB also highlighted its continued efficiency and prudent management, noting that despite reduced fees, it has made substantial remittances to the Federal Government, reflecting its commitment to accountability, transparency, and affordability.

Meanwhile, JAMB announced that the sale of forms for the 2026 UTME will begin on Friday, January 31, 2026, and close on Saturday, March 8, 2026, reaffirming its pledge to sustain global best practices in the conduct of its examinations.

Reckless shooting by NDLEA injures youth in Ngurore market in Yobe

A youth sustained injuries following a reckless shooting incident by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during a raid in Ngurore Market, Yola North Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that on 10 December 2025 at about 1000 hours, NDLEA officers stormed a ghetto area inside the market, firing their weapons sporadically.

During the operation, a stray bullet struck 22-year-old Abubakar Hassan of Jambutu community, causing injuries to his stomach and right leg.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ngurore visited the scene, and the victim was evacuated to Banene Hospital, Ngurore, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding to medical care.

Residents have expressed concern over the conduct of security personnel during operations in public spaces, urging agencies to exercise restraint to prevent civilian harm.

NDLEA are yet to release an official statement on the incident.
#ndlea_nigeria
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#HQNigerianArmy

FG Bans Teaching in Indigenous Languages, Declares English-Only Policy in Nigerian Schools.

The Federal Government has abolished the use of indigenous languages as a medium of instruction in Nigerian schools, making English the sole language of teaching from early childhood to tertiary level.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the new directive on Wednesday at the Language in Education International Conference 2025 organised by the British Council in Abuja.

The two-day conference, themed “Language, Education and Inclusion: Empowering Every Learner,” brought together policymakers, educators, and experts from across Africa, South Asia, and the UK to discuss strategies for improving learning outcomes through language.

Dr. Alausa explained that while preserving Nigeria’s local languages remains important for cultural identity, English offers a more effective and globally competitive medium for learning.

“The English language should be used to teach our students at all levels as a means of instruction,” he said. “Over the years, the use of mother tongues in schools has contributed to poor performance in national examinations. The national policy on language has therefore been cancelled.”

He described English as a “unifying tool” for Nigeria’s diverse population, noting that research showed students taught primarily in English perform better in exams like WAEC, NECO, and JAMB.

According to him, the decision marks a shift from emotional attachment to local language identity toward evidence-based education policy.

Meanwhile, the British Council reaffirmed its support for inclusive and equitable learning across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Julian Parry, Director of English Programmes for the region, said language can serve as “a bridge to inclusion, identity, and opportunity.”

Also speaking, Chikodi Onyemerela, the British Council’s Director of Programmes in Nigeria, highlighted the organisation’s Pan-Ethnic Classrooms Programme, launched in 2015, which helps teachers apply inclusive and language-responsive teaching practices.

15,000 Candidates Forged Admission Letters to Participate in NYSC Scheme – JAMB.

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has revealed that the agency identified 15,000 candidates who forged admission letters to qualify for participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Speaking on Monday at the 2025 Batch C pre-mobilisation workshop in Abuja, Oloyede confirmed that those involved are being prosecuted for alleged forgery.

He further disclosed that 17 Deputy Vice-Chancellors, several Deputy Registrars, and four JAMB staff are currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over similar allegations.

Drama As JAMB Officials Walk Out On House Committee
A session at the National Assembly turned tense on Wednesday when representatives of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) walked out during an engagement with the House Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies.
JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede was absent and sent Director Mufutau Bello in his place. The disagreement began when Bello asked journalists to leave, claiming the documents he planned to present contained sensitive information. Committee members refused, insisting the hearing was public.
Visibly upset, Bello ordered his delegation to exit the room, prompting lawmakers to direct the Sergeant-at-Arms to arrest the officials — but they had already left the building.
The Committee has now summoned the JAMB Registrar to appear in person next Tuesday with his full management team and documents, warning that failure to comply could result in a warrant of arrest.

Fake Admission: Student threatens university with N500m lawsuit.

A 200-level Law student of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Akinlolu Richard Omisade, has threatened to sue the institution for ₦500 million over an alleged irregular admission not recognized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

In a protest letter submitted to the office of the Vice-Chancellor and signed by his lawyer, Barrister Abdulfatai Abdulsalam, Omisade described his admission as “fake,” claiming the university failed to forward his details to JAMB for proper registration.

The petition stated that Omisade was offered admission to study Law through a letter dated August 16, 2024, but later discovered through the JAMB portal that his name was not listed among the institution’s admitted students.

“Our client’s name was not found on the JAMB portal for Law admission in your school, implying that his details were never forwarded to JAMB for processing,” the letter read.

It further alleged that such actions could amount to an attempt to “fraudulently exploit unsuspecting citizens by issuing unverifiable admission letters.”

The lawyer gave the university three working days to regularize the student’s admission with JAMB or face legal action to recover ₦500 million in damages, while also notifying regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), JAMB, and the Council of Legal Education (CLE).

When contacted, the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Olaniyi Adekanye, said the university was already engaging with the student’s parents to find an amicable resolution.

“The school chairman is in contact with the student’s parents to resolve the issue in his best interest, and discussions are ongoing,” he said.

Suspending Candidate’s Profile, Says It’s Obeying Court Order.

JAMB CANDIDATES
JAMB Denies Suspending Candidate’s Profile, Says It’s Obeying Court Order

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has dismissed reports claiming it suspended the profile of a candidate, Monsuru Aduragbemi, describing the allegations as deliberate misinformation by those it called conflict entrepreneurs.

In a statement issued on Sunday by its Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, the board said the report falsely accused JAMB of disobeying a court order that directed parties to maintain the status quo in a case involving the candidate and two universities, Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Lagos.

JAMB explained that contrary to the claims in circulation, the candidate “on her own volition” was no longer affiliated with either of the two universities as of September 25, 2025, when the suit was filed, or September 30, when the court order was granted.

According to the board, the alleged suspension message was simply a programmed system alert that automatically appears when a candidate’s profile is locked to prevent any modification.

“The suspension message being mischievously misrepresented is a usual programmed default message that pops up on any profile on which any alteration by the Board officials, institutions or candidate had been restricted,” the statement read.

Benjamin added that the restriction applied equally to OAU and UNILAG, as neither institution is allowed to complete its admission list while the court order remains in force.

“It was when the fraudulent effort to tamper with the status quo became unsuccessful that those sponsoring her apparently became frustrated and resorted to media blackmail in a bid to pressurise the Board into violating the court order,” he said.

Begin 2025 Admissions or Risk Losing Candidates, JAMB Warns Public Varsities.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to public universities yet to commence their 2025 admission processes, cautioning that they risk losing their candidates to other institutions if they fail to meet the official deadlines. In a statement released on Saturd...

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to public universities yet to commence their 2025 admission processes, cautioning that they risk losing their candidates to other institutions if they fail to meet the official deadlines.

In a statement released on Saturday, October 18 JAMB reminded all institutions that the timeline for the 2025 admissions was agreed upon during the annual Policy Meeting on Admissions held on July 18, and chaired by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

According to the resolutions reached at the meeting, all public universities were expected to submit their first-choice admission recommendations by September 30, while private universities have until October 31. The full timeline for the 2025 admission cycle is as follows:

Public Universities: Admission closes October 31

Private Universities: Admission closes November 30

Polytechnics & Colleges of Education: Admission closes December 31

“These timelines were established to promote a structured and predictable academic calendar across all tertiary institutions, ensuring a smooth and transparent admission process,” the statement read.

FG speaks on report that UTME no more required for varsity admission.

This clarification is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by Mrs Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education.

Boriowo quoted the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, as saying the report was false, baseless, and did not originate from the Ministry.

Alausa said: “At no point did the Ministry issue or authorise any statement suggesting that JAMB is no longer mandatory for admission into tertiary institutions.

“For the avoidance of doubt, JAMB remains the statutory and legally empowered body responsible for entrance examinations and coordinating admissions into all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.”


He reaffirmed that the established admission processes through JAMB remain fully operational and urged the public to disregard any contrary information.

Alausa said the Ministry had completely dissociated itself from the false publication circulated across various media platforms.

He urged prospective students, parents, and institutions to rely only on official communication channels of the Ministry and JAMB for verified information.

The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s collaboration with JAMB and other agencies to uphold transparency, fairness, and credibility in tertiary education admissions.

FG Scraps JAMB as Mandatory Requirement for Tertiary Admission.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced a new policy removing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination as a mandatory requirement for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges, aiming to broaden access to higher education.

Announced under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and spearheaded by Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the reform addresses longstanding barriers to tertiary education.

Each year, millions of students take the JAMB/UTME, but only a fraction secure admission due to stringent requirements.

The government attributes this low admission rate to restrictive policies rather than student performance.

Under the new guidelines, tertiary institutions can now admit students based on their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results, such as WAEC or NECO.

Universities require at least five credits in relevant subjects, including English, with Mathematics mandatory only for science, technology, and social science programs.

For National Diploma (ND) programs in polytechnics, a minimum of four credits, including English, is sufficient, while Higher National Diploma (HND) programs require five credits, including English and Mathematics.

The policy aims to reduce obstacles and provide equitable opportunities for students to pursue higher education. While JAMB/UTME remains an option, it is no longer the sole pathway to admission, granting institutions greater flexibility to use SSCE results for admissions decisions.

Outcry As Federal Universities Reject NECO Results For Admission.

A wave of outrage has greeted reports that some Federal Universities in Nigeria have allegedly refused to accept the recently released National Examinations Council (NECO) results from admission seekers, sparking condemnation from education advocates and concerned parents.

The Centre for Indigent Children Education (CICE), a non-governmental organization, has strongly criticized the development, describing it as “a deliberate denial of the right to education and an open-day robbery against innocent students.”

In a statement signed by its Director, Adebisi Ishola, CICE accused institutions such as the University of Ilorin (Unilorin) and the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) of rejecting candidates who applied for admission using “Awaiting Result” pending the release of their NECO results.

According to the organization, the affected universities accepted applications from candidates with Awaiting Results, collected post-UTME screening fees, and even conducted entrance tests, only to later deny admission to those whose NECO results were not uploaded before the institutions closed their online portals.

“This is a deliberate attempt to subvert the constitutionally guaranteed right to education. Many of these indigent students risked their lives traveling across the country for post-UTME screenings, only to be unfairly denied admission,” Ishola said.

CICE noted that the University of Ilorin allegedly closed its admission portal on September 4, 2025, almost two weeks before the 2025 NECO results were released on September 17, 2025, a move the group described as “coordinated exclusion” that unfairly penalized candidates relying on the national exam body.

The group called on the Minister of Education, as well as the Registrars of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and NECO, to urgently intervene and ensure the reopening of university portals to allow affected students to upload their NECO results.

“If this issue is not urgently addressed, it may lead to widespread litigation and loss of public trust in the NECO examination system,” the statement warned.

Court orders two Nigerian universities to halt admission process.

In her ruling, Justice Segun-Bello asked all parties to maintain the status quo as regards the admission processes, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.

OAU and UNILAG Logo
OAU and UNILAG Logos
A Federal High Court in Enugu has directed the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, and the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, to halt all admission processes arising from the recently concluded Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME) conducted by both universities.

Justice Mabel Segun-Bello delivered the ruling on Tuesday, following a motion ‘ex parte’ filed by five candidates, suing for themselves and “on behalf of all other affected candidates of the 2025 UNILAG and OAU Post-UTME.”

The candidates are Chibuzor Succes, Zainab Oyeleye, Adedeji Samuel, Monsura Aduragbemi and Bassey Nsikak. They are represented by F.K. Nnadi and Co., an Enugu-based law firm.

Also added as a defendant in the suit is the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), where the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) used for offering admissions is domiciled.

The spokesperson for OAU, Abiodun Olarewaju, said the university is aware of the ruling but has not studied it as a result of the public holiday.

Mr Olarewaju said the university will look into the ruling and make its position known.

“After the university deliberates on this issue, we will come out with our own position,” he told our reporter in a telephone interview on Wednesday.

Efforts to reach UNILAG spokesperson, Adejoke Alaga-Ibraheem were unsuccessful, as her phone line was unreachable and a text message inquiry went unanswered.

CBT Centres Involved In UTME Tech Fraud To Be Closed, Owners Jailed — Epelle

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Special Committee on Examination Infractions says computer-based test (CBT) centres found guilty of aiding fraud in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will be shut down and their owners prosecuted.

Committee chairman, Jake Epelle, revealed that investigators uncovered 4,251 cases of fingerprint manipulation (“finger blending”) and 192 instances of AI-assisted impersonation. He warned that exam malpractice has reached an alarming level, driven largely by parents, tutorial centres, and corrupt CBT operators.

Epelle stressed that while JAMB’s system remains secure, criminals are exploiting advanced technology. He urged JAMB to “name and shame” parents complicit in malpractice, noting that 80% of infractions were parent-driven.

The committee also documented nearly 1,900 false disability claims, forged credentials, and collusion between candidates and syndicates. It recommended AI-powered monitoring and a central exam security hub to strengthen future UTME integrity.

Over 6,400 Candidates At Risk As JAMB Panel Submits UTME Malpractice Report

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says its Special Committee on Examination Infractions will submit its final report today, September 8, 2025, amid ongoing controversies over widespread cheating in this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The committee, chaired by Dr. Jake Epelle, was set up in August to probe 6,458 withheld results linked to impersonation, AI-assisted cheating, and server hacking during the April–May exams.

If found guilty, candidates risk cancellation of results, disqualification from future exams, or prosecution. Education stakeholders say the report could reshape Nigeria’s exam system, as JAMB faces pressure to balance sanctions with fairness to innocent candidates.

ASUU rejects FG’s loan scheme for tertiary workers.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has rejected the Federal Government’s loan scheme for tertiary institution workers, insisting that the government should instead implement the 2009 agreement with the union.

The union’s National President, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, made this known on Thursday at a press conference in Jos, the Plateau State capital

The PUNCH reports that the Federal Government had two weeks ago, launched the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund, a welfare and empowerment initiative for academic and non-academic staff in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, in a statement said that the fund was a direct response to the welfare and professional growth needs of the nation’s tertiary institution workforce.

But ASUU president during the press conference in Jos on Thursday described the loan scheme as a “poisoned chalice” and urged members to stay away from it.

“Our members do not lack where to find loans; indeed, they are already deep in debt from such loans.

“What we need now is for government to sign our renegotiated agreement, which will improve our purchasing power and decrease our reliance on debts from cooperative societies.

“The union is demanding the implementation of the 2009 agreement, which includes issues like conditions of service, university autonomy, academic freedom, funding of universities, and review of laws governing JAMB and NUC”, he said

JAMB will begin screening for over 500 exceptional candidates below 16 years of age seeking admission into tertiary institutions for the 2025/2026

JAMB Sets Rules for Under-16 UTME Candidates: 320 UTME Score, 80% in WAEC/NECO, and Post-UTME Screening Now Mandatory.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced stringent conditions for considering under-16 candidates for the 2025/2026 tertiary admission cycle.

To qualify, candidates below 16 must score at least 320 out of 400 in UTME, secure 80% in post-UTME, and achieve a minimum of 80% (24 out of 30 points) in either WAEC or NECO in a single sitting. Combinations of WAEC and NECO results will not be accepted.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, disclosed the new policy during a virtual meeting with vice chancellors and admission heads, stating the board will no longer accommodate the practice of admitting emotionally and psychologically unprepared children into universities.

He emphasized that only academically exceptional underage candidates would be considered, and even then, they must undergo a rigorous screening process—regardless of whether their chosen institution has suspended post-UTME for others.

The announcement aligns with the Federal Government’s reaffirmation of 16 as the minimum age for tertiary education. Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the policy aims to curb the increasing number of underage admissions and promote a balance between academic readiness and cognitive maturity.

Additionally, science candidates must include Mathematics, and arts candidates must include English in their top subjects.

Court Bars Edo Govt From Inaugurating New Electoral Commission.

The National Industrial Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has restrained all parties involved in the ongoing legal tussle over the dissolution of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC) from taking any action that could undermine the final outcome of the suit.
PDP Accuses Okpebholo Of Wasting Edo Resources On Political Jamborees
Naija News reports that Justice A. Adewemimo, who presided over the matter, issued the interim order on July 22, 2025, following a motion filed by counsel to the claimants, Gabriel Uduafi.

The case was filed by the late former Chairman of EDSIEC, Justice James Oyomire (retd.), and six other commission members, Mrs. Gladys Idahor, Uduafi Gabriel, Mr. Felix Ebhota, Mr. Anthony Okekuoyen, Mr. Michael Ekhaisomi, and Mr. Vincent Aimienota, who are challenging their removal by Governor Monday Okpebholo despite their tenure not being concluded.

Listed as defendants are the Governor, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Jonathan Aifuobhokhan, and newly appointed commission members, Asein Victor, Ighomo Thomas, Imafidon Osarodion, Dr. Suleman Ikhuoria, Anthony Aikpogjome, Umoru Frank, and Aremiyau Momoh.

The claimants argue that their removal on December 17, 2024, via a public announcement dissolving all state commissions, violated the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the laws of Edo State.

They insist that, under these laws, members of EDSIEC can only be removed through a two-thirds resolution of the House of Assembly, based on proven misconduct or incapacity, neither of which has been established in their case.

They are seeking a court declaration that the dissolution was unconstitutional and an order barring the inauguration of the new EDSIEC board until the suit is resolved.

Justice Adewemimo noted that the 4th defendant, Speaker Aifuobhokhan, had already issued a timetable for local government elections despite the pending motion for an interlocutory injunction.

The court condemned the action, stressing that such conduct violates the established legal principle that no party should engage in actions that could render the court’s final decision nugatory.