ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies has pledged its support to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in tackling challenges affecting the conduct of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across the country.
The Chairman of the Committee, Oboku Oforji, made the commitment on Friday during an oversight visit to monitor the ongoing UTME at several centres within the Federal Capital Territory.
A statement released by the committee’s media unit on Saturday quoted Oforji as describing the UTME as “a vehicle used by young Nigerians in their journey to self-discovery.”
“To me and the committee, we are very proud of what JAMB is doing. Seeing what they are doing today gives us hope for our country,” Oforji said.
However, Oforji pointed out several issues at some centres, highlighting the lack of basic amenities such as air conditioning and first aid services.
The committee also flagged additional concerns, including poorly ventilated halls and the absence of medical personnel available to handle emergencies.
“Some of the halls were too compact, and candidates were seen fanning themselves because of poor ventilation. We frown at the absence of nurses and inadequate first aid facilities in some centres, especially those hosting up to 250 candidates,” he added.
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Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker also expressed concern over complaints from candidates regarding multiple payments and registration glitches, assuring that these issues would be addressed at a stakeholders’ meeting soon.
He pointed out that, despite the challenges observed, candidates remained resilient and determined across all the centres visited by the Committee in the nation’s capital.
“You can see the zeal and commitment in our children. In spite of the uncomfortable conditions in some centres, their determination to succeed is commendable.
“They are making us proud. Seeing what they are doing today gives us hope in our country. We recall that our country is passing through serious challenges, but we are very proud of them and the level of their commitment and zeal.
“You can also see the interactive section, the rational issues they are raising, questions. One of them talked about multiple registration which attract multiple payment.
“The issues they have raised, we are going to take them up with the leadership of JAMB because we believe that JAMB is playing a very key role for our children to gain admission,” Oforji stressed.