The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has refuted allegations that it is responsible for the inability of some Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
The board clarified its position on Monday, stating that it has no control or authority over the admissions process for HND candidates.
In a statement issued by JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, the board addressed the grievances raised by the affected graduates.
“It is important to emphasize that JAMB has no involvement, authority, or control over the admissions process for HND candidates,” the statement read.
The controversy arose after some prospective NYSC candidates claimed that JAMB was responsible for their exclusion from the mandatory one-year service scheme, citing their HND qualifications.
The board, however, dismissed these claims as baseless.
“The candidates claimed they did HND on full-time but were not mobilised because they did OND on part-time.
How on earth does that concern JAMB when Section 5(2) of the law that established JAMB clearly outlines our responsibilities?” the statement queried.
JAMB further clarified its statutory duties, emphasizing that its mandate is limited to undergraduate admissions and does not extend to HND or postgraduate courses.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Board shall be responsible for determining matriculation requirements and conducting examinations leading to undergraduate admissions, as well as for admissions to National Diploma and Nigerian Certificate in Education courses. However, the Board shall not be responsible for examinations or any other selective processes for postgraduate courses or any other courses offered by tertiary institutions,” JAMB explained.
The board also highlighted that many of the affected students were admitted into their National Diploma (ND) programs without JAMB’s involvement, but the board had nonetheless recognized these admissions. “Their subsequent admission to HND is unknown and irrelevant to the mandate of the Board. As such, accusing the Board of issues it has no mandate over is preposterous,” JAMB asserted.
JAMB warned that some of the candidates have crossed into criminality with their accusations, and the board intends to take appropriate action.
In conclusion, JAMB urged the public to disregard the accusations, reiterating that the board has no mandate over the matters raised by the HND graduates.
