ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has stated that the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has experienced only minimal challenges nationwide.
He made this known on Saturday in Ibadan during a routine monitoring visit to Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in Oyo State, including the University of Ibadan CBT centre.
Oloyede described the exercise as largely successful, noting that only a few centres encountered issues, mostly linked to power supply and minor technical glitches.
“Like any human activity, there will be challenges, but they have been minimal.
“Out of about 980 centres nationwide, we have recorded issues in only about 16 centres,” he said.
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He added that despite initial concerns, the board had successfully conducted examinations for more than 1.7 million candidates within three days.
Commending the overall conduct of the process, he described it as “superb,” while applauding the cooperation of stakeholders such as vice-chancellors, rectors, and other academic officials serving as proctors.
On reports alleging that some candidates were kidnapped, Oloyede cautioned against spreading unverified information, stressing that such claims were often not substantiated.
“It is unfortunate that people were kidnapped, but linking them directly to JAMB without evidence complicates security efforts.
“The focus should be on ensuring their safe return,” he said.
Clarifying concerns about early arrival times, he explained that examinations do not begin at 6:30 a.m., but candidates are expected to arrive early for accreditation.
He noted that the board adjusted the start time from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. based on feedback, although this change resulted in longer waiting periods for some candidates.
Oloyede also addressed misconceptions about the role of UTME in the admission process, emphasising that it is only one of several criteria, alongside O’Level results.
He warned candidates and parents against engaging with fraudsters offering “exam runs” or score manipulation services.
According to him, JAMB has stepped up efforts to identify and prosecute offenders, revealing that several suspects are already facing trial for examination malpractice.
He recounted a case where a suspect, while in custody, continued to defraud unsuspecting parents by promising to upgrade candidates’ scores.
“We have our own mechanisms to detect such fraud. Those who attempt shortcuts will be identified and sanctioned,” the registrar said.
Oloyede urged the public to report fraudulent social media platforms and commended security agencies for their support in tackling examination malpractice.
He reaffirmed JAMB’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the examination process and ensuring credible admissions into tertiary institutions.