The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) regulates admissions into Nigerian tertiary institutions through examinations including the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). As preparations ramp up for the 2024 UTME, JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede convened a virtual briefing with Computer-Based Test (CBT) center owners to discuss measures ensuring exam integrity.
In past UTMEs, certain parents were found interfering near exam halls, sometimes posing as facilitators to enable malpractice. Recognizing how this undermines fairness, Prof. Oloyede mandated apprehending any parent near CBT centers during the 2024 UTME. Candidates involved also risk disqualification. This directive aims to curb exam disruption and cheating assisted by interfering parents.
Prof. Oloyede stressed candidates must be at least 17 to sit UTME independently. Unfortunately, instances emerged of parents trying to enroll underage children, presumably to manipulate officials. Such unethical actions warrant serious sanctions, compromising the examination’s objectives.
Candidates were advised protecting personal details to avoid exploitation by fraudulent websites. Association with such sites could lead to prosecution for those involved.
While over 700 CBT centers nationwide will deliver the computer-based 2024 UTME, technical issues remain possible. Affected candidates will be rescheduled to complete the exam fairly. However, those deliberately causing disruptions face disqualification for undermining the process’ integrity.
Center owners were reminded of their national duty beyond profits alone. Exposing misconduct among their colleagues upholds standards and fairness. Regrettably, some centers compromised Direct Entry registration, necessitating discontinuation. Transparency and integrity remain paramount.
Attempts compromising JAMB staff through inducement were criticized. Advanced technologies now monitor the process more closely to deter infractions.
In summarizing, Prof. Oloyede reassured stakeholders of JAMB’s commitment to UTME transparency and fairness using modern tools. Strict action against any practices threatening these standards remains vital for Nigeria’s educational future.
