JAMB Confirms Nigerian Universities Accept U.S. Certificates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified concerns surrounding the acceptance of United States certificates, confirming that Nigerian institutions recognise such qualifications once they meet proper accreditation and quality assurance standards.
The clarification was made by the Registrar during a meeting with officials from the Public Diplomacy Section of the United States Embassy Abuja in Abuja on March 26, 2026. The discussion focused on strengthening educational collaboration between Nigeria and the United States.
According to JAMB, certificates issued by U.S. institutions are accepted in Nigeria as long as they come from schools that are properly approved and quality-assured within the United States. This means the issuing institution must be recognised by the relevant authorities.
However, the board warned that it does not recognise certificates from institutions operating within Nigeria that lack proper approval from Nigerian regulatory bodies. In such cases, certificates must be validated by a recognised quality assurance agency, either locally or internationally, with approval from the Federal Ministry of Education.
The Registrar explained that once these requirements are met, candidates who also have the necessary five credit passes can proceed through Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, which serves as the gateway to tertiary education in Nigeria.
He also addressed why Nigerian institutions accept Cambridge results obtained within the country. According to him, these certificates are issued directly by the University of Cambridge, not by the local centres where exams are written, making them globally recognised and credible.
In contrast, some American-affiliated schools in Nigeria issue certificates independently without recognised external quality assurance, which raises concerns about their validity.
To further explain, the Registrar presented an example of a U.S. High School Diploma that is accepted by the board, showing that properly accredited qualifications are not in question.
He added that Nigerian certificates such as those issued by West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council Nigeria (NECO), and National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) are recognised in the United States because they come from established national bodies with clear accountability.
The policy aligns with global standards under the Addis Ababa Convention, which promotes mutual recognition of qualifications based on quality assurance and fairness.
JAMB also noted that the United States applies similar rules, as it does not accept certificates from institutions that are not properly accredited within its system.
Earlier, Ms Raisa Dukas, Assistant Cultural Attaché at the United States Embassy Abuja, said the visit was part of ongoing efforts to strengthen educational partnerships between both countries. She added that such engagements support exchange programmes and create more opportunities for Nigerian students.
The clarification from Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board is expected to reassure students and parents, especially those considering international education pathways, that recognised U.S. certificates remain valid for admission into Nigerian institutions.
