JAMB Reports Few Hiccups in UTME, Cautions Against Cheating During Exams

n n

Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Ishaq Oloyede, has said that the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination recorded minimal challenges across the country.

n

Oloyede said this in Ibadan on Saturday at the University of Ibadan CBT centre during a routine monitoring visit to Computer-Based Test centres in Oyo State.

n

He described the exercise as largely successful, noting that only a few centres experienced issues, mainly related to power supply and minor technical faults.

n

“Like any human activity, there will be challenges, but they have been minimal.

n

“Out of about 980 centres nationwide, we have recorded issues in only about 16 centres,” he said.

n

The registrar added that despite initial concerns, the board had successfully conducted examinations for over 1.7 million candidates within three days.

n

He commended the smooth conduct of the examination process, describing it as “superb,” and praised the collaboration of stakeholders, including vice-chancellors, rectors and other academic officials serving as proctors.

n

On reports of candidates allegedly being kidnapped, Oloyede cautioned against misinformation, saying such claims were often not properly verified.

n

“It is unfortunate that people were kidnapped, but linking them directly to JAMB without evidence complicates security efforts.

n

“The focus should be on ensuring their safe return,” he said.

n

Addressing public concerns over early arrival times for candidates, the registrar clarified that examinations do not start at 6:30 a.m., but candidates are required to arrive early for accreditation.

n

Oloyede explained that the board had adjusted the examination schedule from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. in response to feedback, though the change had led to longer waiting periods for some candidates.

n

He also criticised widespread misconceptions about the role of UTME in admissions, stressing that it is only one of the criteria, alongside O-Level requirements.

n

Oloyede warned candidates and parents against engaging with fraudsters offering “exam runs” or score manipulation.

n

According to him, JAMB has intensified efforts to track and prosecute such individuals, revealing that several suspects were already facing prosecution for exam malpractices.

n

He cited a case where a suspect, while in custody, continued to defraud unsuspecting parents by promising to upgrade candidates’ scores.

n

“We have our own mechanisms to detect such fraud. Those who attempt shortcuts will be identified and sanctioned,” the registrar said.

n

Oloyede urged the public to report fraudulent platforms on social media, while commending security agencies for their support in tackling examination malpractices.

n

He reaffirmed JAMB’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the examination process and ensuring credible admissions into tertiary institutions.

n

NAN

n n