The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has unveiled an ambitious five-year reform agenda aimed at modernising Nigeria’s admissions system through digital innovation, stronger governance and improved service delivery.
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The roadmap, tagged “JAMB 2031: Building Trust, Reducing Trauma,” was unveiled by the Board’s new Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, during his first official media briefing since assuming office. The reform agenda is built on five strategic pillars, Integrity, Service, Governance, Technology and Partnerships, with the goal of simplifying admissions and improving the experience of candidates and tertiary institutions.
Among the major reforms is the introduction of a unified JAMB mobile application, which will enable candidates to access a wide range of services, including registration support, profile management, admission tracking, examination updates and notifications from a single platform. The initiative is expected to reduce dependence on physical visits to accredited centres and improve access to JAMB services.
The Board also plans to transition to a fully paperless administrative system, replacing manual processes with enterprise-wide digital operations. According to JAMB, the move will improve efficiency, strengthen record management, reduce bureaucracy and lower operational costs while enhancing transparency.
Another key innovation is the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics across the Board’s operations. JAMB said AI-powered systems will support decision-making, strengthen operational efficiency, improve service delivery and enhance examination planning, security and policy implementation.
To strengthen its digital infrastructure, the Board will conduct an independent technology audit to assess existing systems, identify vulnerabilities, improve cybersecurity and ensure that its platforms remain reliable as the number of UTME candidates continues to increase.
JAMB also plans to obtain ISO 27001 Information Security Management certification, an internationally recognised standard designed to improve the protection of candidates’ personal information and reinforce public confidence in the Board’s digital platforms.
As part of efforts to improve stakeholder engagement, the Board will establish a centralised customer service platform to provide faster responses to enquiries, complaints and admission-related issues from candidates, parents and tertiary institutions. The initiative is expected to reduce delays and improve communication throughout the admissions process.
The final reform focuses on strengthening JAMB’s communication and institutional branding. The Board plans to adopt a more proactive communication strategy, improve public engagement and provide clearer information to reduce misinformation and confusion during admission exercises.
Beyond technology, Professor Aina said the transformation agenda would also prioritise staff welfare, professional development and institutional capacity building, noting that sustainable reforms require both technological innovation and a motivated workforce.
JAMB said the reforms come at a time when Nigeria’s tertiary admission system faces growing demand, with millions of candidates competing annually for limited admission spaces. The Board expressed confidence that the planned innovations will improve efficiency, strengthen public trust and position JAMB as a leading technology-driven examination and admissions agency in Africa.
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