Is True That Schools Won't Sell DLC, PT, or Sandwich?

JAMB has mandated that Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education cease independently selling admission forms for full-time, part-time, distance learning, outreach, and sandwich programs, signaling a comprehensive shift to centralized admissions processing under JAMB's authority to ensure transparency and standardization.

You may have heard rumors circulating regarding the discontinuation of full-time, part-time, distance learning, outreach, and sandwich programs at universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The question arises: Is there any truth to these claims? If so, would this spell the end for these programs, or is there a modification underway?

In this post, I aim to provide you with accurate updates regarding the mentioned programs and the associated application processes.

JAMB Assumes Control of Admissions, As Anticipated

Established in 1978, the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was tasked with standardizing the Matriculation Examination and facilitating admissions to Nigerian universities.

However, due to past instances of corruption and mismanagement, the board's reputation suffered, casting doubt on its ability to manage admissions without compromising ethical standards.

Under the current administration, efforts have been made to reform JAMB and restore its authority in overseeing student admissions. By 2023, the board boldly announced its intention to fully take charge of the admission process once again.

Thus, reports of JAMB's cessation of schools selling forms for full-time, part-time, distance learning, outreach, and sandwich programs are not mere rumors but substantiated news.

JAMB Halts Schools' Form Sales and Assumes Control

On August 23, 2023, JAMB officially declared its decision to stop educational institutions from independently vending admission forms for the following programs:

Full-time programs (including post-UTME and post-DE)
Distance Learning Programs
Part-Time Programs
Outreach Programs
Sandwich Programs
and others.

According to JAMB's statement,

CESSATION OF ILLEGAL/IRREGULAR ADMISSION
All applications of admission to First Degree, National Diploma, National Innovation Diploma, and the Nigeria Certificate in Education into Full-Time, Distance Learning, Part-Time, Outreach, Sandwich, etc., must be processed ONLY through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)

JAMB's position is resolute: these admission forms will exclusively be processed through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

No Institution should advertise or sell “application forms” for admissions into the programs. Institutions should advertise candidates to apply to them through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Duplication of application forms is NOT allowed.

Gradual Implementation of JAMB's Decision

JAMB, under the leadership of the former registrar, Prof. Tafa Oloyede, has been gradually introducing measures to ensure the recognition of its results by institutions and to foster trust in its processes. This involves aligning with institutions to ensure that JAMB results are accepted for admissions.

In recent years, JAMB required schools offering programs like Distance Learning, Part-Time, Outreach, and Sandwich to register all students with the board. This initiative aimed to create a comprehensive database of Nigerian students.

This shift towards centralized control also extends to professional programs such as nursing and health colleges that now require JAMB results.

This transformation ultimately aims to streamline the admission process across all higher institutions in Nigeria, with JAMB taking a leading role.

Collaboration and Compliance

The policy directive involves not only JAMB but also the three regulatory bodies: the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

Additional professional regulatory agencies will also contribute to ensuring adherence to these changes.

This interconnected web of entities underscores the comprehensive nature of the new admission policy.

Implementation Timeline and Impact

The announcement does not specify an immediate implementation date. However, based on historical trends, it's reasonable to anticipate gradual compliance by schools starting from 2024 and onward.

It's important to note that this decision primarily affects future applicants and has limited impact on current students and graduates. Students already enrolled in various stages of their academic journeys will continue their programs unaffected.

The programs themselves are not being discontinued; rather, institutions are refraining from independently distributing application forms to prospective students.

In essence, existing students and graduates need not worry about the repercussions of this decision on their academic pursuits and accomplishments.

Conclusion

The landscape of higher education in Nigeria is undergoing a significant transformation, led by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The decision to centralize the admission process for full-time, part-time, distance learning, and sandwich programs marks a pivotal moment in ensuring transparency, credibility, and standardization across educational institutions.

As we move forward, it's important to recognize that this change will bring about a more unified and accountable system. JAMB's efforts, coupled with the collaboration of regulatory bodies, signify a collective commitment to enhancing the quality of education and student experiences.

While there may be questions about the timeline and impact, the clarity provided by JAMB's directive highlights its determination to usher in a new era of educational excellence. As prospective students, educators, and stakeholders, your engagement with this evolving process will play a vital role in shaping the future of higher education in Nigeria.

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Is True That Schools Won't Sell DLC, PT, or Sandwich?

JAMB Assumes Control of Admissions, As Anticipated

JAMB Halts Schools' Form Sales and Assumes Control