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How Leaked Memo Exposed Trends In Securing Admission Into Varsities

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“My son registered and wrote the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) three times before he was able to secure admission into the university to study,” said Mr Ifeanyi Ozoemena.

At each sitting, Ifeanyi’s son scored above 200 marks but failed to secure admission to study his desired course, Computer Science, at one of the universities in South-West Nigeria.

He said it was after a friend introduced him to a staff of the university after his son wrote the third entrance exam that he secured admission.

Thus, gaining admission to most public universities is not just about scoring points, but also about who you know to help you.

Another parent, Eucharia Azu, said her son also missed securing admission with his mates despite scoring higher than the cut-off mark set by the university for the course he applied to study.

She said the course he was seeking admission to study was highly sought after, making it more ‘about who you know’.

Mrs Azu said some people get admission based on merit with the reforms at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), but “You need people who can push for you and that gives you a level of assurance that someone is there to ensure your child is not passed by.”

She bemoaned the relegation of merit while “money buys for you everything.”

Another parent said after he tried to use some people in the education sector to influence his son’s admission he opted to pay for it.

“It was the only option I had after he could not secure admission the previous year and I did not want him to remain at home, “ he said

Admission into tertiary institutions, especially universities, has over time become difficult because of the challenge of access.

In his presentation on the 2023 Admission Exercise, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, said from over 1,635,881 applications for UTME and Direct Entry, only 639,263 candidates were admitted into tertiary institutions across the country.

This was in July 2024. The limited space and capacity of the universities to absorb qualified candidates to study has pushed many desperate parents into paying to secure admission for their children, including politicians who use their influence to peddle slots for their preferred candidates.

Meanwhile, a memo from a senator to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja seeking admission for students was leaked and it went viral generating divergent views online.

In the leaked memo, the senator appealed to the university leadership to grant admission to four students to pursue various courses including Medicine, Public Administration, Computer Science and Law in the school.

The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scores as contained in the letter had 264 as the highest to study Law, followed by 205, also applying for Law, 181 for Computer Science, 191 for Public Administration, and 222 for Medicine and Surgery.

Reacting to the incident, an X user, @Govern_mend said, “Nigerian senator writes to seek university admission for constituents,” asking, “Does a public office holder need to write a letter to a school for any student to be admitted?”

Another wrote: “This is why many do not get admission into some universities.”

This, however, is not new as a former vice chancellor had told Daily Trust that the requests he gets from lawmakers and people in power were usually high and made the admission process difficult for them.

The admission rate in Nigerian universities is placed at about less than 40 percent of the total number of applicants, leaving the rest to scramble for another chance the following year, which many are not likely to get.

This has left parents and applicants to universities across the country disappointed and disillusioned and a few others going to private institutions.

Sources from one of the universities in the North, however, told Daily Trust that demand for admission by politicians doesn’t translate to automatic admission for the candidates.

“If you don’t have up to the required cut-off mark on your JAMB (score), you don’t get admitted here,” a source said.

“I can tell you that because there’s the National University Commission (NUC) accreditation, JAMB is watching. We don’t take anybody with less than 180. And this place is very competitive.”

Another source from the University of Abuja denied pressure from politicians for admission saying, “There’s no harm in trying to use their power; trying to use their office. They don’t get it. JAMB will not allow that.”

Prof. Ugo Sylvester, a lecturer at the University of Abuja and chairman of the institution’s Academic Staff Union, while speaking on politicians’ perceived interference in admissions, said it was commonplace for parents or anyone else to seek help where they think they could get it.

He said the leaked memo wasn’t a directive but an appeal thus it was not mandatory to be acted upon as being perceived.

 

Education

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa Advocates Extension Of NYSC Scheme To Two Years

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In a move that could reshape the landscape of Nigeria’s youth development and national integration strategy, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has called for the extension of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme from its current one-year duration to two years.

Dr. Alausa made this recommendation during a high-level stakeholder engagement in Abuja, emphasizing the need for a more impactful and immersive service year that aligns with the country’s educational and developmental goals. According to the Minister, extending the NYSC duration would provide Nigerian graduates with a broader platform to contribute meaningfully to national growth, gain valuable experience, and improve their employability.

“The NYSC scheme remains one of the most important platforms for national unity, youth empowerment, and community development,” Dr. Alausa stated. “However, in light of current realities, a one-year period may no longer be sufficient to achieve the desired depth of impact. A two-year service period will allow for more comprehensive training, community engagement, and skills acquisition, especially in sectors critical to national development.”

The Minister noted that the proposal is still under consideration and will require widespread consultation with stakeholders, including the NYSC Directorate, education professionals, youth representatives, and members of the National Assembly.

Dr. Alausa also suggested that the extended programme could be restructured to include a first year focused on national service and community development, while the second year could prioritize skill acquisition, entrepreneurship training, and job placement initiatives.

Reactions to the proposal have been mixed, with some youth groups expressing concerns about the feasibility of a two-year compulsory service, particularly in a challenging economic climate. Others have welcomed the idea, noting that a longer NYSC period could provide a more structured transition from academic life to the workforce.

As debates continue to unfold, Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to policies that will enhance the quality of education and empower Nigerian youths for a brighter future.

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JAMB Opens Portal for Printing 2025 Mock UTME Slips

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the 2025 UTME Mock Notification Slip is now available for printing for candidates who opted to take the mock exam.

JAMB’s Public Communications Adviser, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, shared in a statement on Thursday that the slip contains important information, including the exam date, venue, time, and other crucial instructions.

Candidates can print their slips by visiting www.jamb.gov.ng, selecting “2025 Mock Slip Printing,” entering their registration number, and clicking “Print Examination Slip.”

The mock exam is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, 2025, while the main UTME will start on Friday, April 25, 2025. Dr. Benjamin advised candidates to print their slips early and visit their exam centers ahead of time to avoid any last-minute issues.

He also wished all candidates the best of luck in their preparations.

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Imo State University (IMSU) Admission Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

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Imo State University (IMSU) is a renowned institution in Nigeria, known for its academic excellence and innovative research. If you’re interested in pursuing a degree at IMSU, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the admission requirements.

In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to IMSU’s admission requirements, including the necessary documents, qualifications, and deadlines.

Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Programs

To be eligible for admission into IMSU’s undergraduate programs, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. JAMB UTME: Candidates must sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and score a minimum of 180.

2. O’Level Results: Applicants must possess a minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, at the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE) or its equivalent.

3. Post-UTME Screening: Candidates who meet the JAMB UTME and O’Level requirements will be invited for a post-UTME screening exercise.

Admission Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

For postgraduate programs, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Bachelor’s Degree: Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution, with a minimum of second-class lower division.

2. NYSC Certificate: Applicants must provide their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate or exemption letter.

3. Academic Transcripts: Candidates must submit their academic transcripts from their previous institution.

How to Apply

To apply for admission into IMSU, follow these steps:

1. Visit the IMSU website: Go to the IMSU website https://www.imsuonline.edu.ng/ and click on the “Admissions” tab.

2. Create an account: Fill out the registration form to create an account.
3. Submit your application: Complete and submit your application form, ensuring you upload all required documents.

Deadlines

The deadline for submission of applications varies depending on the program. Check the IMSU website for specific deadlines.

Conclusion

IMSU’s admission requirements are designed to ensure that only qualified candidates are admitted into the institution.

By meeting these requirements and following the application process, you can increase your chances of gaining admission into IMSU.

 

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