Dr. Adelaja Odukoya, a professor of Comparative Political Economy at the University of Lagos (UNILAG)and member of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has accused the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) of undermining university autonomy. Speaking at the annual celebration of the University of Ibadan’s Alumni Association, Lagos State Branch, Odukoya criticised JAMB’s involvement in regulating university admissions. He asserted that universities should have full control over their admission processes, as opposed to following JAMB’s centralised guidelines. According to him, this external control violates the core principle of autonomy essential to academic excellence.
Call for Fairer Admission Fees for Candidates
In his remarks at the event, Odukoya expressed concern over the financial strain placed on admission seekers. He highlighted that JAMB and other institutions impose excessive charges on candidates under the pretext of processing fees. Many prospective students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are unable to afford these costs, which he said compromises their right to access higher education. Odukoya called on JAMB to reduce these charges to make admission processes more affordable and equitable for all Nigerians.
Defending University Autonomy
Odukoya further emphasised the importance of university autonomy, which he described as a cornerstone of global academic practice. He argued that allowing JAMB to dictate admission procedures and quotas undermines this independence and diminishes the capacity of universities to function optimally. He warned that the erosion of autonomy could lead to declining academic standards and diminished institutional credibility.
Recommendations for Policy Review
To resolve these issues, Odukoya recommended that JAMB’s role in Nigeria’s higher education system be thoroughly reviewed. He suggested that JAMB should limit its involvement to a coordinating role aimed at standardising national admission frameworks, without interfering with individual university policies. Additionally, he urged the government to enact measures that protect university autonomy and reduce financial barriers to education.
Odukoya’s remarks have reignited the ongoing debate over the governance of higher education in Nigeria, with calls for reforms that balance national oversight with the preservation of academic independence. The University of Ibadan Alumni event served as a platform for these critical discussions on how to strengthen the nation’s tertiary education system.
