Education

FG: Only 20% of UTME Candidates to Secure Higher Education Admission

Published

2 years ago

April 23, 2024

ADMIN

By Gabriella Ogbu

The Federal Government has revealed that only 20% of candidates sitting for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will likely gain admission into tertiary institutions nationwide. Additionally, the government is contemplating setting the minimum age for admission to 18 years.

During a monitoring exercise in Abuja, Prof. Tahir Mamman, Minister of Education, discussed the challenges of the current system and emphasized the importance of skill acquisition for youth empowerment.

Prof. Mamman expressed concern over parental pressure on children and emphasized the need for a balanced approach to education. He stressed the importance of skill acquisition from primary education to prepare students for life beyond the classroom.

Regarding age requirements for university admission, Mamman highlighted instances of candidates as young as 15 or 16 taking the UTME, which he deemed inappropriate. He urged parents not to push their children into tertiary education prematurely.

The minister commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for conducting a smooth examination process, attributing the reduced rate of examination malpractice to the use of technology.

Dr. Tanko Sununu, Minister of State for Education, lauded JAMB’s management for maintaining high standards, noting the administration’s expansion of the examination to international locations like Saudi Arabia.

Sununu praised the efficiency and integrity of the examination process, underscoring the importance of a controlled transition for students entering tertiary education.

Education

Oyelami Named Acting CEO of National Mathematical Centre

Published

2 months ago

February 25, 2026

Editor

By Omoniyi David

The Federal Government has appointed Professor Oyelami as Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Mathematical Centre with immediate effect.

The appointment was announced in a statement by the centre’s Controller of Information and Public Relations, Onyekachi Njoku. He said the decision followed the elevation of the former CEO, Promise Mebine, as Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Otuoke.

Njoku disclosed that the approval was conveyed in a letter signed by Rakiya Ilyasu, Director of University Education at the Federal Ministry of Education.

Professor Oyelami, a mathematician who joined the centre over two decades ago from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, previously served as Coordinator of the Mathematics and Theoretical Physics programmes and as Deputy Director/Academic Planning Coordinator.

An alumnus of the University of Jos and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, he holds a Second-Class Upper degree, MSc and PhD in Mathematics and has published widely in local and international journals.

The centre said his appointment would strengthen its mandate to promote research, innovation and capacity building in mathematical sciences.

Abuja Reports

UniAbuja Council Denies NELFUND Loan Diversion Claim

Published

2 months ago

February 15, 2026

Editor

By Patrick Idowu

The Governing Council of the University of Abuja has refuted allegations that the institution diverted funds provided by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), for its students.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the council, chaired by Senator Olanrewaju Tejuoso, said no NELFUND money was diverted, misappropriated or unlawfully withheld by the university or any of its officials.

The denial comes a day after NELFUND also dismissed the allegation and cleared the university of wrongdoing.

The statement, signed by the Acting Registrar and Secretary to the Governing Council, Malam Sambo Mohammed, said the university operates within established financial regulations and maintains strict accountability in managing intervention funds.

The council urged the public to disregard what it described as a misleading media report, while reaffirming confidence in the university’s management led by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi.

Education

JAMB Warns Candidates Against Infractions in 2026 UTME Registration

Published

2 months ago

February 9, 2026

Editor

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned that candidates who violate registration rules or breach the attestation signed during the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), registration will face severe sanctions.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, issued the warning on Monday as the registration entered its third week.

He said offenders could be barred from sitting for the UTME for up to three years, adding that the names of defaulters may be published in national newspapers and forwarded to other public examination bodies.

Oloyede also disclosed that candidates involved in serious offences could be handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), or the Police for prosecution.

JAMB said the measures are aimed at protecting the integrity of the examination process and ensuring fairness for all candidates.