How FUTA Student and Over 4,000 Others Were Cleared by JAMB Over Fake Admission Allegations

Bashola Jamiu Owodunni, a top-performing Civil Engineering graduate from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), has been officially cleared by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) after previously being tagged as having secured a fake admission. Owodunni, who graduated with an impressive CGPA of 4.41, was caught in the middle of a nationwide controversy over irregular university admissions.

His JAMB record had initially shown no valid admission status, rendering him ineligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other post-graduation opportunities. But following widespread public pressure and activist-led interventions, his case, along with those of over 4,000 other affected graduates, has now been resolved.

JAMB has now restored access to his portal, and he is expected to be mobilised in the upcoming NYSC batch.

How Did It All Begin?

In 2023, JAMB published a list of students it claimed were not properly admitted through its official channels. These admissions were labeled as unapproved, leaving over 4,000 candidates stranded after graduation. Many were unable to proceed with NYSC or secure employment because their admissions were not reflected in JAMB’s system.

Owodunni’s case became one of the most widely discussed, as he had successfully completed his studies at FUTA, only to find out his academic credentials were considered invalid by JAMB’s records. Despite having received admission letters from both JAMB and FUTA at the time, the board later declared the admission illegal after conducting an internal review.

According to JAMB, “The role of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board is primarily regulatory. The Board scrutinises and approves candidates recommended for admissions by the institutions and ensures that only those who meet the requisite requirements are considered.”

The issue was not isolated to Owodunni. Many students across the country were affected by poor coordination between their institutions and JAMB, especially in cases predating the full adoption of the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

What Led to the Clearance?

The tide began to turn after weeks of sustained advocacy from concerned citizens, education platforms, and activists. JAMB reopened a verification process, which eventually led to the clearance of over 4,000 candidates. The board’s spokesperson confirmed that the new review corrected earlier documentation errors that had caused legitimate graduates to be blacklisted.

“The good news is that it has been resolved,” said Alex Onyia, CEO of an education technology platform, who had been following the case closely. “Owodunni can now be part of the next batch of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC),” he added in a post.

Human rights advocate and public commentator, Omoyele Sowore, also weighed in on the matter. “Following our intervention with JAMB officials, it has come to our attention that the admission and matriculation body has resolved the matriculation issues of over 4,000 candidates who had previously become stranded after completing their studies. This includes the famed FUTA graduate, Bashola Owodunni,” he said.

While welcoming the resolution, Sowore criticised the institutions involved, saying, “JAMB and some university administrations have contributed to creating this crisis. Their internal failures caused thousands of students unnecessary pain, delay, and uncertainty.”

He went further to call for compensation for affected graduates. “We demand full compensation for the time lost, emotional trauma, and denied opportunities. Furthermore, an immediate and thorough resolution is needed for the remaining 10,000-plus students still stuck in limbo,” he said.

What Does This Mean Going Forward?

Now that the clearance has been issued, students like Owodunni can confidently move forward with their lives. They can now participate in NYSC, apply for jobs, pursue further studies, and validate their academic records without the fear of being flagged as fake graduates.

However, this development also brings into focus the need for stronger administrative processes and digital alignment between universities and JAMB. Poor documentation and miscommunication should not cost innocent students their futures.

What Should Students and Institutions Do Now?

JAMB has advised all students to regularly check their admission status through its official portal and ensure their records are up to date. Institutions are also expected to strictly follow due process when offering admissions and must comply fully with the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) to avoid further discrepancies.

The decision to clear Bashola Owodunni and thousands of others is a huge relief, but the damage many of them faced cannot be ignored. These students went through stress, delays, and missed important opportunities, all because of mistakes they didn’t cause.

No student should have to suffer or have their future put on hold because of poor coordination between schools and JAMB. It’s not just about fixing records, it’s about restoring trust in the system.

This situation should be a serious reminder to all those involved in the education process, from institutions to government bodies, that proper documentation and timely communication matter. Students deserve better. They deserve clarity, fairness, and a system that works for them, not against them.