The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s education system by administering the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In preparation for this critical test, JAMB engages with its various stakeholders to ensure a smooth registration and examination process. These meetings are vital in fostering collaboration and gaining insights that help the board address challenges and enhance the overall examination experience.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

One of JAMB’s initial engagements involved a meeting with Commissioners of Education from all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This forum facilitated collaboration and provided an opportunity for these key stakeholders to offer their insights and feedback on JAMB’s examination cycle. Historically, these commissioners have played a significant role in JAMB’s decision-making process, contributing to policy development and implementation strategies.

Challenges with Accredited Computer-Based Centres (CBT)

Despite JAMB’s efforts to engage stakeholders, challenges persist, particularly with some owners of accredited Computer Based Centres (CBT). These centres often fall short of the standards required for a seamless registration process. As the 2025 registration exercise commenced on February 3 and is set to close on March 8, infractions have been reported at various CBT centres.

Issues of Favouritism and Bulk Registration

Field reports reveal that some CBT centres prioritize bulk registrations for private school owners, disadvantaging individual candidates who queue for hours. In Gberigbe, Ikorodu, Lagos, a parent lamented that despite arriving early and securing a queue number, the centre prioritized two busloads of candidates brought by a private school, leading to frustration and protests from other parents. Similar incidents were reported at another centre in Ikorodu, where walk-in candidates were left unattended while bulk registrations took precedence.

Disciplinary Actions by JAMB

In response to procedural breaches, JAMB suspended two CBT centres—Federal College of Education (Technical) Potiskum CBT Centre 2 in Yobe State and the CBT Centre, Otukpo, Benue State. The suspension was due to the submission of blank registration templates, which jeopardized the integrity of the registration process. JAMB warned that any centre found engaging in such practices would face cancellation and be barred from future activities.

Concerns Over Nocturnal Registrations

JAMB also cautioned CBT centres against conducting nighttime registrations, citing safety and security concerns. While the board acknowledged the enthusiasm of centres to accommodate as many candidates as possible, it emphasized that this should not compromise the safety of the candidates.

Challenges with Mock Examination Centres

Parents in the Southeast and Southwest regions have expressed concerns over the unavailability of centres for the mock examination. With 90% of examination towns in these regions exhausted, many candidates have been denied the opportunity to sit for the mock test. The mock examination, though optional, is crucial for candidates to gain experience with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system.

JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, disclosed that the remaining states with available slots include Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe. However, parents are reluctant to send their wards to these distant locations for the mock test.

Calls for More Centres in Southern Nigeria

A concerned parent, Bola Popoola, urged JAMB to open more centres in the southern part of the country, emphasizing that he would not allow his child to travel to the northern states for a mock examination. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about regional disparities in access to examination centres.

Conclusion

JAMB’s proactive approach in engaging stakeholders and enforcing disciplinary actions demonstrates its commitment to ensuring a seamless registration and examination process. However, the persistent challenges with CBT centres, issues of favouritism, and regional disparities in access to mock test centres highlight the need for continuous monitoring and improvement. Addressing these challenges will require collaborative efforts between JAMB, state governments, CBT centre owners, and other stakeholders to ensure fairness, security, and a positive examination experience for all candidates.