JAMB Moves to Rescue Graduates Stuck for Years over NIN Data Mismatch, Unveils New Service

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Nigeria has announced plans to rescue thousands of graduates who have been unable to join the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) due to discrepancies between their JAMB records and National Identification Number (NIN) details. Speaking at a recent meeting, JAMB Registrar Prof. Segun Aina revealed that the board would introduce an NIN alignment service to update the biodata of affected candidates.

This initiative aims to resolve administrative bottlenecks and enable eligible graduates to participate in NYSC, despite completing their university education years ago.

Aina explained that the service would allow candidates to change their biodata to match their official identity records, clearing a major obstacle preventing them from proceeding to NYSC. According to the registrar, thousands of graduates could be affected by the current discrepancies, which have left them unable to participate in the national service scheme. The new NIN alignment service is part of JAMB's commitment to reducing administrative difficulties and building trust with candidates.

In addition to the NIN alignment service, JAMB is considering incorporating life skills and critical-thinking assessments into the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This reform aims to move admission decisions beyond academic performance alone and recognise candidates with practical abilities, sound reasoning, and other essential competencies for success in higher education.

Aina argued that this approach would provide universities with greater flexibility in selecting applicants and promote a more inclusive admission process.

However, Aina expressed concern over candidates who had been admitted into tertiary institutions outside the central admissions system, as their admissions were not properly documented or recognised in JAMB's records. He urged university administrators to collaborate with JAMB to ensure that admissions are processed and documented correctly, preventing students from facing difficulties years after graduation.