2023 UTME: JAMB ISSUES ADVISORIES
ON DRESS CODES, HENNA, OTHERS
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board(JAMB) has issued strict Advisories on the application of henna, otherwise called “Laali”/“Lale” and appropriate dress code ahead of t h e 2 0 2 3 Un ifi e d Te rti a r y Ma tri c u l a tion Examination(UTME ). According to a statement made available to JAM Bulletin, candidates are warned against applying henna to avoid experiencing biometric verification challenges.
The statement revealed that, henna when applied on the fingers obstructs the smooth biometric verification of the candidates fingers. Also in an attempt by candidates to clean their fancy henna drawings, they used chemicals that damaged the whorls on their fingers, hence making biometric verification and authentication difficult.
The Board reiterated its position of “No Biometrics, No Examination” rule and urged candidates to desist from any act that could jeopardise their chances of taking candidates, embarrassing even the candidates wearing such dresses as others pass offensive glances at them t h e r e b y d e st a b i l izi n g t h e i r comportment for the examination. In some cases it has been used to aid and abet examination malpractices. The Board views such improper dessing as a serious breach of UTME ethics adding that provocative and seductive dressing as well as willful and deliberate exposure of one’s body to the public would no longer be condoned as they are capable of causing distraction to candidates and examination officials alike.
The statement listed indecent dressing to include, but not limited to, sleeveless tops, body hugs. knickers, transparent clothes, canopy headties, bogus fashion jewelries, spaghetti tops, and Off-shoulders, among others. The Board reiterated that pencils are a l l owe d into t h e examination hall for the UTME.
ASCSN FRIENDLIES: JAMB DRAWS FME
Euphoria rent the air at the football pitch of the Nigerian Law School, Bw, Abuja, on Wednesday, 9th November, 2022, when the indomitable Matriculation Board (JAMB), engaged their counterparts from the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), Abuja, on a novelty soccer match held as part of the events lined up for the 10th Anniversary celebration of the JAMB Chapter of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).
Declaring the match open, the Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, who played the first shot of the match, charged players from both sides to put in their best. “Superstars are not plucked from trees, they are nurtured and made. Today’s match might be that match that would produce those emergent soccer stars of tomorrow, as you don’t know who might be watching among the spectators, therefore, I urge you to put in your best,” he said.
As the match progressed, the spectators were treated to a spectacular battle between the two teams’ lanky warriors. The tense game atmosphere persisted until the 37th minute when Abdulsamad Garba, a striker from the FME, nodded the first goal of the match.
PROF. OLOYEDE – A TRAILBLAZER
In the submission of an erudite philosopher Michel de Montaigne: “Confidence in others’ honesty is no light testimony of one’s own integrity”. It is no more news that our hardworking Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has recorded outstanding achievements leading many Nigerians to think that the Board had never had it so good in all its over four decades of existence. Consequently, from my matter-of-fact analysis, I submit that the distinguished Prof. Is-haq Olarenwaju Oloyede, the current Registrar and Chief Executive of Ni g e ri a ‘s J o i nt Admissi o n s a n d Matriculation Board (JAMB), understood and appreciated the fact that “The price o f g r e a t n e ss is r e s p o n si b i l it y ; Management is doing things right; while Leadership is doing the right things”.
Undoubtedly, one of the remarkable achievements of the Board since the assumption of office of Prof. Oloyede is the transformation of the examination landscape as well as the demonstration of honesty and transparency by the return of billions of naira to government coffers every year since 2017, in compliance with the Standing Order to MDAs to remit their operating surpluses to the Treasury Single Account. Yet another is the consolidation of paperless examination (CBT) in the nation’s public examination sector, the monthly publication of the Board’s financial inflows and outflows, sani imp l eme nt a ti o n o f t h e C e ntra l
Admissions Processing System (CAPS), imp l eme nt a ti o n o f t h e C e ntra l Admissions Processing System (CAPS), among others. To whom the cap fit – let him wear it; Honour, they say, should be given to whom it is due. On this premise, Nigerians and the world at large are not surprised by the conferment of four outstanding national honours (OFR, NPOM, CON, NEAPS) within a decade. Sir, the Academia is rightly proud of you and is, indeed, of the opinion that Nigeria of today needs a man of your sterling qualities, more power to your elbow. I will be signing off with this excerpt from the writings of John C. Maxwell, which aptly describes the amiable Prof. Oloyede and the former Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, thus: “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.” Prof. Peace E. Udosen is the Rector, Peace Institute of Management Technology, Abak, Akwa Ibom State.
ROLE OF UTME IN FOSTERING TECHNICAL LITERACY OF CANDIDATES
Available evidence suggests that advances in technology has positively impacted different sectors of national life, the education sector inclusive. Hence, it is not surprising for the Board to leverage on appropriate technology to achieve its operational objectives. The increasing reliance of the Board on technology is particularly evident in the digitisation of most of its operations. In this wise, what readily comes to mind is the iconic shift from Paper-pencil Testing (PPT) to Computer-Based Testing (CBT), which invariably demanded, conferred and elicited appropriate technical knowledge from candidates to take the Un ifi e d Te rti a r y M a tri c u l a ti o n Examination (UTME). Furthermore, the ubiquitous presence of the internet has imposed a situation whereby to excel as scholar, a candidate knowledge to successfully navigate and access the services of the Board.
This is on account of the fact that the Board had also deployed other useful applications that are meant to support and enhance learning, as well as deliver different kinds of content.
These technologies include the BrailleNote Apex, Central Admissions Processing System, CCTV cameras, and Discrete Educational Software (DES) programs such as e-brochure and e- syllabus, among others. It should also be borne in mind that UTME candidates are also regaled with other digital contents at the UTME registration points as they are expected to operate cellphones, open e-mail accounts, generate profile codes as well as create profiles to receive official information from the Board and even tune in to watch v i d e o c o n t e n t ri g h t i n si d e t h e examination hal l to access test instructions, to mention but a few has to acquire a semblance of technical knowledge to successfully navigate and access the services of the Board.
This is on account of the fact that the Board had also deployed other useful applications that are meant to support and enhance learning, as well as deliver different kinds of content. These technologies include the BrailleNote Apex, Central Admissions Processing System, CCTV cameras, and Discrete Educational Software (DES)programs such as e-brochure and esyllabus, among others. It should also be borne in mind that UTME candidates are also regaled with other digital contents at the UTME registration points as they are expected to operate cellphones, open e-mail accounts, generate profile codes as well as create profiles to receive official information from the Board and even tune in to watch v i d e o c o n t e n t r i g h t i n s i d e t h eexa m i n at i o n h a l l to a c c e s s te st instructions, to mention but a few.
Undoubtedly, the digital contents that candidates are exposed to, in the course of taking their UTME, could not but honetheir skills and infuse them the ability to use, comprehend, manage and access technology successfully, safely and reliably now and in the future. Hence, even avid technophobes among UTME candidates have been known to
b e c o m e t e c h n o p h i l e s a s t h e y enthusiastically use the correct technological tools with ease as well as
know where to access same. In view of the important role that the UTME play in fostering technical literacy among candidates, the Board is encouraged to sustain the tempo of deploying digital tools to promote learning and teaching outcomes that are s t u d e n t- fo c u s e d , c o l l a b o ra t i v e ,engaging, and based on development of
higher-order thinking skills.
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE TAKES OFF NEXT ACADEMIC SESSIONFUOYE VC
The vice chancellor University, Oye-Ekiti, Prof.Abayomi Sunday Fasina, has disclosed that the institution’s College of Medicine would take off by the next academic year while urging his students to brace up for the tasks ahead of them as scholars. This charge was made during the 2 0 2 2 / 2 0 2 3 A c a d e m i c S e s s i o n M a t r i c u l a t i o n C e r e m o ny o f t h e institution, which took place on Friday,28th October, 2022, at the Theatre and
Media Arts Complex, FUOYE.
According to Prof. Fasina, the institution ranked 6th among all the universities in
Nigeria at the last World University C o nt i n u i n g , t h e V i c e – C h a n c e l l o r informed the gathering that, the
institution had so far lived up to expectations through quality and efficient service delivery, a scenario that contributed largely to the accreditation of its medicine and surgery programme.
In his goodwill message to the institution, which was made available to JAM Bulletin, t h e E k i t i S tate C o o rd i n ato r, M r.AbdulHameed AbdulAkeem, who was represented by Ms. Abiola Adekunle and Head, Matriculation Monitoring Division,Mr. Ganiyu Oladimeji, admonished the matriculating students to shun all vices and be good ambassadors of the institution, while charging the institution on the need for all-round learning through child-centered teaching approach as no nation develops without a sound education policy.
2023 UTME: ABIA STATE OFFICE MEETS CRITICAL STAKEHOLDERS
Ai d s t t h e h e i g h t e n e d preparations for the conduct of the 2023 UTME, the Abia State Coordinator, Mr. Johnson Adebiyi, on Tuesday, 8th November, 2022, paid a working visit to the Chief External Examiner (CEE), the Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Agriculture Umudike, Prof. Maduebibi Ofo Iwe, in his office. According to the State Coordinator, the purpose of the visit was to brief the CEE, who is saddled by the Board to provide l e a d e rs h i p a n d d i re c t i o n fo r a ll Examination Officials during the UTME, on the new strategies adopted by theBoard to improve biometric verification, the registration process and its other operational processes as well as the concerted efforts by the State Office to ensure the smooth conduct of the 2023 UTME. In his address, Mr. Adebiyi informed the CEE that the new operational strategies adopted by the Board stipulated that no new CBT centres would be accredited without meeting the new requirements of the Board. In this regard, he disclosed that all new CBT centres must deploy only laptop computer systems as desktops would no longer be accepted. In addition, no CBT centre must install any clients with less than 2 gigabyte (2GB) RAM.
Furthermore, he stated that the Autobot system must be used for accreditation of CBT centres and there should be three (3)Autobot tests, Pre accreditation, DuringMock-UTME and Dummy examination(which is held a day before the UTME), soas to ensure the readiness of the centre as well as to prevent IP address duplication
and abuse. He added that the result of the Autobottest must be uploaded to the Board’s website on or before 30th November of any given year preceeding the UTME. Similarly, he stated that at the registration point, candidates with unverifiable fingerprints would be scheduled as”Exemption Candidates” and their registration slips would be colour-codedto be visually different from others. Headded that such candidates would sit their examinations in Abuja on the last day of the national examination calendar and their results would not be released until after being subjected to properscrutiny.
He disclosed further that the biometrics of all accredited CBT centre registration officers would be captured ahead of the registration exercise as well as the factthat CBT centres are now to be paidN1000 each as centre service charge forthe conduct of UTME as they would also be allowed to charge same N1,000 through the Board for the conduct of Mock exercise, on account of the increasein the price of diesel. In the same vein, Mr. Adebiyi used the
opportunity provided by the visit to brief the CEE on the efforts so far made by the State Office to ensure a hitch-free 2023UTME. He stated that in order to ensure that the facilities at all the CBT centres in the State are technically sound, the monthly meeting venues between the State Coordinator and CBT Centre Proprietors are rotated among CBT centres. He stressed that during the meeting, the combined technical expertise of the team are brought to bear on the host centre’s facilities to resolve any observed challenges prior to the conduct of the UTME. He stressed
further that Abia CBT centres had also entered into technical partnership among themselves to address technical where necessary.
In his response, Prof. Iwe thanked the State Coordinator for his visit adding that it was a good thing for them to work together so as to acheive the mandate of the Board in the State. He commended Mr. Adebiyi for his zeal in making the conduct of the UTME seamless in the State.
CURBING EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE CALLS FOR DECISIVE ACTION-DR LEMUT
The Benue state coordinator, Dr. Titus Lemut, has submitted that decisive action is required to
tame the hydra-headed monster of examination malpractice. T h e S tate C o o rd i n ato r gave t h e
submission while delivering his speech titled: “Roles of JAMB in Curbing Examination Malpractices in Nigeria”
during the 2022/2023 Academic Session Matriculation Ceremony of the Benue State University, Makurdi. Dr. Lemut identified various measures adopted by JAMB to curb examination misconduct, some of which according to
him included: introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT), use of NationalI d e nt i f i cat i o n N u m b e r ( N I N ) fo r registration, and fingerprint capturing for biometric verification to ascertain true test takers, among others.
Furthermore, he highlighted the implications of examination malpractice A c c o r d i n g t o h i m , e x a m i n a t i o n malpractices could lead to irreversible loss of credibility as well as create distortion in the educational system.
He also stated that, when caught for the disgraceful act, the examination results of perpetrators are withheld while students involved are sometimes suspended or expelled among other sanctions. In his concluding remarks, Dr. Lemuturged the matriculants to study hard to do their parents and the nation proud. To individuals and the society at large. A c c o r d i n g t o h i m , e x a m i n a t i o n malpractices could lead to irreversible loss of credibility as well as create distortion in the educational system. He also stated that, when caught for the disgraceful act, the examination results of perpetrators are withheld while students involved are sometimes suspended or expelled among other sanctions In his concluding remarks, Dr. Lemuturged the matriculants to study hard todo their parents and the nation proud.
AKWA IBOM STATE COORDINATOR CHARGES STACOL TO KEEP THE FIRE BURNING
The state collage Ikot-Ekpene Akwa Ibom State, was agog on Friday, 4th November, 2022, when its old students met at the school’s Assembly Hall for a reunion. The College, which was founded in 1946, has produced eminent Nigerians over the years. The event was graced by members of the College’s Alumni Association, both home
and abroad, and was also attended by the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, whowas represented by the Akwa Ibom State In his goodwill message, the Registrar wished the ancient citadel of learning strength and momentum for it to keep waxing stronger. He charged the old students to continue in their support for
the school to sustain its age-long glory.
The Registrar also expressed appreciation to the Association for his invitation as well as the recognition of the Board’s big strides in the education sector over the
past few years.
Also in attendance at the event was the Akwa Ibom State Public Relations Officer Coordinator, Mrs. Grace Olima-Williams. Mrs. Dorathy Udoh, who incidentally happened to be an alumnus of the
College. In his response, the principal of the school, Mr. Sylvester Udom, expressed profound gratitude to the Registrar for the honour done the school by sending his representatives to grace the epoch making
event, adding that he wished for further opportunities to partner with the Board.
EKITI AND OGUN STATE COORDINATORS SWAP PORTFOLIOS
In line with the it’s avowed commitment to improved operational efficiency, the Joint Admissions and
Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recently swapped the portfolios of the duo of the State Coordinators of Ekiti and Ogun States. Handing over the office to the new helmsman, the outgoing Coordinator, Mr. Abdulhakeem Balogun, Ogun State Office, c o n d u c t e d h i s s u c c e s s o r, M r.AbdulHakeem AbdulHameed, round the
facility and admonished staff to give their new boss maximum support. In his remarks on the occasion, Mr. AbdulHameed described his return to the office as a homecoming as he once served in the same capacity for years before beingredeployed to Ekiti State in September,2019.
Mr. AbdulHameed commended his predecessor for the various administrative and structural improvements, as
evidenced by the increase in the number of staff and the new look of the office, which he said would collectively enhance efficient service delivery. In an interactive session with members of staff of the State Office, the new State Coordinator solicited their cooperation, stating that he was on a mission and had been handed the specific mandate of achieving the Board’s organisational goalsin Ogun State. He, urged all hands to be on deck to attain the maximum operational efficiency.
He reiterated the Management’s zero tolerance for misconduct of any kind and cited lateness to work, laziness, unethical interactions with candidates and other unapproved practices, as reprehensible acts. He urged the staff to approach him on any issue that requires clarification to
avoid operating on the basis of assumptions and hearsay and charged them to always remain good ambassadors
of the Board.
In his remarks, the Head of CBT Support Services, Mr. Wale Afolabi, while speaking on behalf of the members of staff of the State Office, wished the outgoing State Coordinator well in his new place of assignment. He welcomed the new State Coordinator, noting that the reward for hard work is more work. He also promised the new helmsman the cooperation and support of staff to take the State Office to even greater glories.
EKITI STATE OFFICE WELCOMES NEW HELMSMAN
The state office of the Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), on Thursday, 10th N o ve m b e r, 2 0 2 2 , we l co m e d M r. Abdulhakeem Balogun to its premises following his redeployment to the State as the Coordinator. Mr Balogun before then, was the Ogun State Coordinator of the Board.
In his address to the staff, Mr. Balogun charged all staff of the State Office to be committed to the services of the Board stating that he would not condone indolence or any other wrongdoings. He, thereafter sought their cooperation for the tasks ahead, particularly, as the 2023 U T M E / D E r e g i s t r a t i o n i s f a s t
approaching. The State Coordinator also harped on the need for every staff to align with the recently-rolled out operational strategies of the Board, particularly as they pertained to the capturing of fingerprints of candidates, among other strategic measures, aimed at curbing malpractices, adding that they must shun any form of
infractions that could bring the image of JAMB to disrepute.
He stated further that his office was open to suggestions that could enhance its operational efficiency and capable of propelling the Board to enviable heights as the nation’s flagship admission body.
Receiving the State Coordinator, Mr. Ebenezer Olowolafe, assured him of the maximum cooperation of members of staff of the State Office and thereafter conducted him round the facility and various Units of the State Office.
In a related development, the Team Leader of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) contingent at the State Office, Mr. Femi Faleti, assured the new State Coordinator of his men’s unwavering support to the Board in terms of safeguarding lives and property.
FEDERAL FIRE SERVICE SENSITISES STAFF ON SAFETY MEASURES
As part of its outreach and sensitization programme, the Federal Fire Service (FFS), Ekiti State Office, has trained
members of staff of the Ekiti State Office, Ado-Ekiti, on safety measures to adopt to prevent or mitigate fire outbreaks. Speaking during the sensitisation lecture, the Deputy Superintendent of Fire(DSF) Mr. Amuda Haruna, said safety is a collective responsibility of all adding that the lecture was imperative because of the peculiar nature of the prevailing dry season with its increased risk of fire outbreaks. He stated that the FFS has the
statutory responsibility to carry out rescue operations, fire prevention, mitigation, fire fighting as well as
paramedical and information services. DSF Haruna listed the causes of fire outbreaks to include carelessness,
accidents and arson, among others.
He said that in case of fire outbreaks, victims should raise an alarm to enable people to vacate the premises as fire is not a re s p e c te r o f h u m a n o r m ate r i a l
resources. According to DSF Haruna, people could prevent fire outbreaks by not overloading
electrical appliances on a single socket ra t h e r t h e y s h o u l d u s e p a ra l l e l connections to reduce fire outbreaks plugging electric irons directly to the socket, engaging professionals for electrical installation and using standard equipment, among others.
The highlight of the training was a practical demonstration of how to effectively use fire extinguishers via the
“PASS” protocol. In his remarks, the Ekiti State Coordinator thanked the delegation from the FFS for the lecture describing it as timely and an eye opener. He urged staff to note the various fire containment strategies as conveyed through the lecture to safeguard lives and property.