…Warns Policy Will Increase Crime Rate

By Adesina Wahab

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has criticized the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for its decision to invalidate over 7,000 admissions offered to students several years ago.

In a statement issued by NANS Senate President, Comrade Akinteye Afeez, the student body argued that innocent students should not be penalized for administrative lapses by university authorities. NANS warned that the move could lead to increased crime rates and push affected students into depression and frustration.

“The attention of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has been drawn to the recent policy decision by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) under the leadership of Prof. Is-haq Oloyede to invalidate the admissions of over 7,000 graduates across various institutions in Nigeria, including Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma.

“This unpopular policy, which retroactively questions admissions processed years ago, is not only unjust but also victimizes innocent students for systemic failures.

“The implications of this decision are dire and far-reaching. Students who have spent years pursuing their education, endured financial and emotional burdens, and successfully graduated—including those who took loans—are now being stripped of their hard-earned degrees.

“This policy will inevitably force many of these young Nigerians into depression, frustration, and, potentially, criminal activities as they grapple with the harsh realities of an already challenging economy.”

NANS maintained that the failure lies with the affected institutions for not adhering to JAMB’s admission guidelines. It criticized JAMB for targeting students instead of holding the administrators accountable.

“JAMB’s response to punish students rather than the erring institutions is misplaced and counterproductive. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) strongly condemns this decision and demands that JAMB redirect its disciplinary actions toward the administrators of these institutions rather than destroying the careers and futures of innocent students,” the statement added.

NANS called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education to intervene and halt the policy. The association warned that failure to address the matter promptly would result in a nationwide protest to the Presidential Villa by January 2025.

“NANS will not stand by and watch the dreams of Nigerian students crushed under the weight of a poorly conceived policy. JAMB must revise its approach and ensure that students are no longer used as scapegoats for institutional failures,” Afeez stated.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and aspirations of Nigerian students and ensuring that justice prevails.