The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has raised alarm over an upsurge in the number of doctored and upwardly adjusted age declarations on NIN slips being submitted by candidates.

The exam body expressed worry that the trend of underage candidates falsifying their age to gain admission into the university has become dangerous, inimical and unnecessary.

JAMB has now insisted that only candidates who will be at least sixteen years old at the time of admission will be considered eligible for admittance into the university.

Details soon…

CREDIT: DAILY POST

Traveling abroad can be exhilarating, but securing a visa can often be a tedious process. Fortunately, several countries offer visa-free entry to citizens from various nations, simplifying the journey to new destinations.

Here are 10 countries you can visit visa-free as a Nigerian:

1. Indonesia:
   With its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine, Indonesia is a favored destination. Citizens from 169 countries, including Nigeria, can enter visa-free for up to 30 days, though an electronic travel authorization (eTA or eVisa) is required beforehand. Fun facts about Indonesia:

• It’s the world’s largest archipelago with 17,504 islands.
• It has the second-longest coastline at 54,716 kilometers.
• Sumatra is one of only two places in the world where wild orangutans can be seen.
• Indonesia and Monaco have similar flags, differing only in the shade of red.
• It’s home to the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard species.

1. Barbados:
   Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and welcoming locals, Barbados allows Nigerian passport holders to stay visa-free for up to six months. Fun facts about Barbados:

• Named after the Bearded Fig Tree.
• Home to 80 white sand beaches.
• Inhabited by the mischievous Green Monkey, originally from West Africa.
• Birthplace of rum, with the oldest brand being Mount Gay Rum from 1703.
• Known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean.

1. Cape Verde:
   This island nation off the northwest coast of Africa offers beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and morna music. Nigerians can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Facts about Cape Verde:

• Located 385 miles off the coast of West Africa.
• Official language is Portuguese, with Cape Verdean Creole also widely spoken.
• Uninhabited until discovered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century.
• Population around 596,000, with a mix of African and European heritage.
• A stable representative democracy, one of Africa’s most developed.

1. Dominica:
   Known as the ‘Nature Isle of the Caribbean,’ Dominica boasts lush rainforests, mountains, and hot springs. Nigerians can stay visa-free for six months. Facts about Dominica:

• Capital is Roseau.
• Home to rare species like the Sisserou parrot, featured on the national flag.

1. Ghana:
   This West African country is known for its rich history and diverse culture. Nigerians can travel visa-free for up to 90 days. Facts about Ghana:

• First sub-Saharan African country to gain independence.
• Name means ‘warrior king’ in Soninke.
• Rich cultural traditions in music, dance, and art.
• Diverse ecosystems including rainforests and coastal wetlands.

1. Haiti:
   A Caribbean nation on the island of Hispaniola, Haiti offers a blend of African, French, and Taíno cultures. Nigerians can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Facts about Haiti:

• Poorest country in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• High levels of food insecurity, affecting nearly half the population.

1. Maldives:
   Nigerian citizens can obtain a visa on arrival for 30 days. Requirements include a valid passport, proof of onward travel, a return ticket, and either hotel booking confirmation or sufficient funds for expenses.
2. Mauritius:
   Known for its stunning beaches and coral reefs, Mauritius allows Nigerians to stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Facts about Mauritius:

• Discovered by Arab and Malay sailors in the 10th century.
• Consists of several islands including Rodrigues and Agalega.
• The dodo, now extinct, was native to Mauritius.
• Le Morne Brabant was a refuge for escaped slaves.
• No official language, but English, French, and Creole are widely spoken.

1. Senegal:
   This West African country offers rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. Nigerians can stay visa-free for up to 90 days. Facts about Senegal:

• Known for its hospitality, or ‘Teranga.’
• Famous for music and dance, such as Mbalax.
• Delicious cuisine includes Thieboudienne and Yassa.
• Home to national parks like Niokolo-Koba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

1. Seychelles:
   This island nation in the Indian Ocean offers lush vegetation and beautiful beaches. Nigerians can enter visa-free for up to 30 days. Facts about Seychelles:

• Comprises about 115 islands.
• Capital is Victoria on Mahé island.
• Tropical oceanic climate with little temperature variation.
• One of the world’s smallest countries by population, around 105,000.

JAMB has verified that out of 1,842,464 candidates who took the 2024 UTME, 1,402,490 failed to achieve a score of 200 out of 400 marks. The board released the results on Monday, revealing that 78% of candidates did not reach half of the possible marks.

According to JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, 8,401 candidates scored 300 and above, 77,070 scored 250 and above, and 439,974 scored 200 and above, while 1,402,490 scored below 200. Oloyede also mentioned that the results of 64,624 candidates out of the 1,904,189 who sat for the exam were withheld pending investigation.