Is JAMB Out of Touch? The UTME Debacle Sparking National Outcry

The 2025 UTME, Nigeria's crucial university entrance exam, has been marred by a troubling start, with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) reporting the apprehension of a staggering 40 individuals for impersonation. This highlights the persistent issue of examination malpractice that continues to plague the system, despite JAMB's efforts to sanitize the process. It makes you wonder about the sheer ingenuity – albeit misdirected – some people will employ to circumvent the system.

Adding to the controversy are the widespread complaints from parents and guardians regarding the unusually early 6:30 am resumption time stipulated for candidates. Their anxieties paint a vivid picture of the logistical nightmare this poses, especially for those residing far from their designated examination centers. Imagine a 14-year-old having to navigate the potentially unsafe pre-dawn hours just to reach their exam hall. It feels like an unnecessary burden, especially considering the already high stakes of such an important examination. Social media rightly erupted with concerns, questioning the rationale behind such an inconvenient scheduling.

While JAMB has since clarified that the actual examination begins at 8 am, with the 6:30 am call time for pre-exam formalities, this explanation doesn't entirely alleviate the concerns. Asking teenagers to be at a venue by 6:30 am still necessitates a very early start, potentially disrupting their sleep and adding undue stress before a critical assessment. The analogy of airport check-in times, while perhaps intended to be relatable, doesn't quite land. A once-a-year national exam for young adults is a different beast than an international flight.

The situation in Yola, Adamawa State, where a power failure disrupted the exam and led to demands for cancellation, further underscores the logistical and infrastructural challenges that continue to plague the UTME. Parents' outrage at a generator running out of fuel mid-examination is completely understandable; it speaks to a lack of preparedness that directly impacts the future of these students.

Interestingly, amidst these challenges, the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies has offered its support to JAMB. While their intention is commendable, the issues raised by parents and the Yola incident suggest that more than just assistance is needed – perhaps a fundamental re-evaluation of certain logistical aspects and infrastructure reliance.

JAMB's spokesperson's comments about Nigerians needing to "behave very well" before remote testing can be considered are, frankly, a bit dismissive of the genuine hardships faced by candidates and their families. While examination integrity is paramount, the current system clearly presents significant logistical hurdles for many. The aspiration for a more candidate-friendly system, like those in developed nations, is a valid one and should be a continuous goal, even without comparing Nigeria's infrastructure to Qatar's or Singapore's. There must be more immediate, practical solutions to mitigate the current difficulties faced by students.

Posted on: Mon Apr 28 2025 Back to posts