The University of Jos (UniJos) has emerged as the overall prize winner at the 6th edition of the National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit (NATAP-M) organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)
LEADERSHIP reports that the 6th edition was held alongside its 2026 Admission Policy Meeting in Abuja.
UNIJOS secured the top prize of Five Hundred Million Naira (₦500,000,000.00) among eight other winners, who shared a total of Seven Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (₦750,000,000.00) in prize money.
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According to a statement issued by the Deputy Registrar, Information, Publications, Protocol and Public Relations, Emmanuel Madugu in Jos, said the emergence of Unijos as the top prize winner is in recognition of its strict compliance with admission guidelines, transparency, top-tier adherence to the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) and becoming the nation's Institution with the highest number of admissions of International Students.
He maintained that JAMB introduced the NATAP-M Awards to promote transparency, merit, compliance, and excellence in Nigeria's tertiary admission process.
"This recognition came as a birthday gift to Professor Tanko Ishaya, whose birthday happened to be on 11 May.
Meanwhile, the vice chancellor Prof Ishaya Tanko, while responding, appreciated JAMB for introducing these merit awards.
He said that the awards highlight the Nigerian University System's commitment to excellence in admissions and that it adheres strictly to JAMB's guidelines for the 2025/2026 academic session.
Tanko assured the Minister of Education that Nigerian Universities will continue to support the government in its bid to reposition University education in the Country. He further assured all stakeholders that the funds will be judiciously utilised further to develop its educational infrastructure, equipment, and services.
Speaking while presenting the award to Management Staff and Students of the University, Prof Tanko said the award is the outcome of JJAMB's rating of all Universities in five objective criteria, where the University of Jos was ranked 1st Institution with the highest number of admissions of international students; 2nd most compliant with the 2025 policy guidelines and 6th most national in admissions spread.
These rankings made the University the overall and highest Prize Winner of the 6th Edition of the National Tertiary Admissions' Performance Merit Award.
Professor Tanko noted that the achievement is a clear demonstration of the administration's vision to position Unijos as a globally competitive institution driven by excellence, innovation, integrity, and transparency.
He said that one of the priorities and focus of his administration was to ensure that UniJos regains its status as an internationally competitive University.
Prof Tanko further said this honour aligns with the University's recent recognition as a recipient of the 2026 Plateau Man of the Year Award for Institutional Legacy and Academic Excellence.
Earlier in the year, the University of Jos was ranked in the top 10 Nigerian Universities by the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2026.
His significant achievement places UniJos alongside four other renowned Nigerian institutions, such as Ahmadu Bello University, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, University of Ilorin, and Federal University of Technology, Minna, within the global ranking bracket of 1201-1500.
The VC also highlighted the University's growing reputation as a preferred, reliable, and high-performing Institution in Nigeria.
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He further attributed the success to the commitment of all University Staff and charged that the recognition should serve as a benchmark for future excellence.
Tanko proposed that the funds be used to enhance further the University's capacity to provide international students with an enriching experience and academic excellence.
The Dean of Students Affairs, Professor Christopher Piwuna, in his vote of thanks, commended the Vice Chancellor for demonstrating uncommon courage and steadfast focus in leadership, particularly in admissions.
He recalled how a few years ago, the Vice Chancellor was the target of scathing criticism on admission irregularities, which he spent sleepless nights addressing.
Piwuna stated that this award is indeed a vindication of the Vice-Chancellor's posture of integrity.
