The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a comforting message to candidates affected by technical difficulties during the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of JAMB, while addressing the media after overseeing the examination proceedings in Kogo-Bwari, Abuja, emphasized that affected candidates would be rescheduled to ensure fairness and continuity of the examination process.
Table of Contents[Show]
Understanding the Challenges and JAMB’s Response
The Situation on the Ground
Despite a largely smooth execution on the initial day of the 2024 UTME, a technical hiccup at one examination centre sparked concerns among candidates and observers. Professor Oloyede explained, “We appeal to the public to understand that some centres will inevitably encounter problems. Today, only one centre has reported such an issue, but by the end of today, we anticipate about 10% of the centres might face similar challenges.”
Measures for Rescheduling
JAMB has a clear protocol for dealing with such eventualities. The affected candidates are not to be inconvenienced further but are to be provided with an alternative slot. “The earliest time for rescheduling these candidates would be post-4:30 PM, allowing those who are assigned to subsequent sessions to complete their examinations without disruption,” Professor Oloyede detailed. In some cases, candidates might even be scheduled for the following day to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to undertake their test under optimal conditions.
Broader Implications and Considerations
Scholarships and Performance Criteria
Amid the examinations, there has been a renewed debate about the merit of awarding scholarships based on UTME scores alone. The JAMB chief voiced concerns over simplistic assessments of academic prowess: “Yes, entities like MTN are awarding scholarships to top scorers. However, we must consider additional criteria such as O Level grades and post-UTME scores, which are integral to holistic student evaluations.”
He further illustrated his point by sharing an anecdote, “You might hear someone boast about their child scoring 330 and achieving seven A1s. While impressive, such achievements might rank differently on a national scale, reflecting the intense competition and varied standards across the country.”
JAMB’s Commitment to Fairness
In conclusion, the examination body remains dedicated to maintaining a balanced and just examination system. JAMB’s prompt response to the glitches and their detailed plans for rescheduling exemplify their commitment to upholding the integrity and fairness of the UTME process. For candidates experiencing stress or uncertainty, the message is clear: JAMB is prepared and willing to support every student and ensure that no one is disadvantaged by unforeseen technical issues.
Affected candidates and their families are encouraged to stay informed through official JAMB communications and updates to navigate this period smoothly.
