In Nigeria, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is responsible for conducting entrance examinations into tertiary institutions. After the examination, JAMB uses a platform called the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) to manage admissions into tertiary institutions. In this article, we will explain how JAMB CAPS gives admission.
Overview of JAMB CAPS:
JAMB CAPS is an online platform designed to streamline the admission process for Nigerian tertiary institutions. It was created to replace the former paper-based admission process and to make the admission process more transparent and efficient.
The platform provides a dashboard for admission officers to manage the admission process, including uploading and reviewing candidates’ credentials, conducting post-UTME examinations, and making admission offers. Additionally, the platform allows candidates to track the status of their admission application, including if they have been offered admission, not offered admission, or placed on a waiting list.
How JAMB CAPS works:
The admission process through JAMB CAPS is a multi-step process that involves different stakeholders, including tertiary institutions, JAMB, and the candidates themselves. The following are the steps involved in the admission process through JAMB CAPS:
Step 1: Candidate applies to tertiary institutions:
The first step in the admission process through JAMB CAPS is for candidates to apply to their desired tertiary institutions. Candidates do this by obtaining and filling out the JAMB UTME form, selecting the institutions they wish to apply to, and paying the application fee. Afterward, the institutions will conduct a post-UTME examination, and candidates must score above the institution’s cutoff mark to proceed to the next stage.
Step 2: Tertiary institutions upload candidates’ credentials:
After candidates have taken the post-UTME examination and have scored above the cutoff mark, the tertiary institution will upload their credentials to the JAMB CAPS platform. This includes the candidates’ O’level results, UTME score, and post-UTME score.
Step 3: JAMB verifies candidates’ credentials:
After the tertiary institution has uploaded the candidates’ credentials, JAMB will verify the authenticity of the credentials. This is to ensure that candidates meet the minimum requirements for admission into the institution.
Step 4: JAMB generates a merit list:
After verifying the candidates’ credentials, JAMB will generate a merit list based on the candidates’ scores. The merit list will rank the candidates based on their UTME score, post-UTME score, and O’level results. Candidates with the highest scores will be given priority on the merit list.
Step 5: Tertiary institutions review the merit list:
After JAMB has generated the merit list, the tertiary institution will review the list and select candidates that meet their admission requirements. The institution will then send the list of selected candidates to JAMB for approval.
Step 6: JAMB approves the list:
JAMB will review the list of selected candidates and approve it if they meet the admission requirements. If any candidate on the list does not meet the requirements, JAMB will reject their admission offer, and the institution will be required to replace them with another candidate.
Step 7: JAMB notifies candidates:
After JAMB has approved the list of selected candidates, they will notify the candidates through their JAMB CAPS profile. Candidates will be informed if they have been offered admission, not offered admission, or placed on a waiting list. If a candidate has been offered admission, they will be required to accept or reject the admission offer within a specific time frame.
Step 8: Candidate accepts or rejects the admission offer:
If a candidate has been offered admission, they will be required to accept or reject the offer within a specified time frame. If they accept the offer, the admission process will be completed, and they will be required to proceed to the next step, which is to pay their acceptance fee and register with the institution. On the other hand, if the candidate rejects the admission offer, the institution will be required to replace them with another candidate on the waiting list.
Step 9: Candidates on the waiting list:
If a candidate is placed on a waiting list, it means that the institution has not yet made a final decision on their admission offer. Candidates on the waiting list are encouraged to keep checking their JAMB CAPS profile regularly for updates on their admission status.
Step 10: Supplementary admission:
If a candidate is not offered admission in the first round, they may be considered for supplementary admission. Supplementary admission occurs when there are still available spaces in the institution after the first round of admission offers. Candidates who are not offered admission in the first round can apply for supplementary admission, and the process will be repeated from step one.
Conclusion:
In summary, the JAMB CAPS platform plays a critical role in the admission process for Nigerian tertiary institutions. The platform ensures that the admission process is transparent and efficient, and candidates are given equal opportunities to be admitted into their desired institution. The process involves multiple stakeholders, including tertiary institutions, JAMB, and the candidates themselves. The platform also enables candidates to track the status of their admission application and accept or reject admission offers within a specified time frame. Overall, JAMB CAPS has improved the admission process in Nigeria and has made it more accessible to candidates.
