The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has described the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as largely successful, noting that the exercise has recorded minimal challenges nationwide.
He made this known during a monitoring visit to the University of Ibadan CBT centre in Oyo State, where he assessed the conduct of the examination across various Computer-Based Test centres.
According to him, out of about 980 CBT centres across the country, only about 16 centres experienced issues, which were mainly related to power supply and minor technical faults. He explained that such challenges are expected in any large-scale human activity but maintained that the overall conduct of the examination has been impressive.
Prof. Oloyede also disclosed that over 1.7 million candidates had already been examined within the first three days of the exercise, describing the process as well-coordinated and successful. He commended the cooperation of academic stakeholders, including vice-chancellors and rectors, who participated as proctors during the examination.
On reports circulating about alleged kidnapping of candidates, the JAMB registrar cautioned the public against spreading unverified information. He stressed that while such incidents are unfortunate, they should not be wrongly linked to JAMB without evidence, adding that security agencies should be allowed to focus on rescue efforts.
He further clarified concerns raised about early arrival times for candidates, explaining that examinations do not begin at 6:30 a.m. Candidates are only required to arrive early for accreditation. He added that the board adjusted the examination schedule slightly from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. following feedback, although this has sometimes resulted in longer waiting periods.
Prof. Oloyede also addressed misconceptions about the UTME, stressing that it is only one of several requirements for admission into tertiary institutions, alongside O’Level results.
He warned candidates and parents to avoid fraudsters who promise exam assistance or score manipulation, describing such activities as criminal. He revealed that the board has intensified efforts to track and prosecute individuals involved in examination malpractice, adding that some suspects are already facing legal action.
According to him, even individuals under investigation have continued fraudulent activities, which the board is actively working to curb through its detection systems.
