UTME: CBT, CCT helped in reducing malpractice, says group

The Joint Action Coalition on Education (JACE), a coalition of various observer group which monitored Saturday’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in various parts of the country, has commended the computer based test (CBT) deployed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB).

In a briefing in Lagos on Sunday, Ayokunle Adumashin, south-west zonal co-ordinator of the group, said JAMB deserved special commendation for “having the courage” to adopt CBT despite initial worries.

He said CBT has not just reduced incidence of examination malpractices but has also put Nigeria in line with global best practices.

Adumashin urged parents to ensure they familiarise their children with contemporary technology and trends before they complete secondary school.

He described Saturday’s examination as “orderly and meeting set standards” in all in the centres monitored by its observers.

Adumashin said the installation of close circuit television (CCTV) cameras at the examination centres contributed to reducing malpractices and also complemented security arrangement for the centres.

“JACE commends the management team of JAMB as led by its registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, for the excellent handling of the 2017 UMTE,” he said.

“We, however, urge the team to carry out a holistic review of any lapses observed with a view to remedying before the next examination.”

He said despite earlier worries during UTME registration and the event that led to the postponement of the mock examination, Saturday’s examination was hugely successful.

According to him, the group deployed observers to cover more than 75% of the 624 designated examination centres for the 1.7 million candidates that sat for the examination.

“JACE, through its members, was able to deploy monitors in each of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. Our observers monitored the examination for incidents, compliance with global standards in the handling of examinations, and provision of conducive environment,” he said.

“From our observations: The examination was orderly and met set standards in all in the centres monitored by our coalition.

“The few incidents recorded, which were not significant, were largely issues pertaining to human factor and not caused by systems or process.

“The mock examination earlier conducted by JAMB proved useful in exposing candidates to what to expect in the actual examination. This is an initiative that should be sustained. The examination showed the imperative for continued investment in broadband penetration and stability in addition to improving on power supply situation in the country. The suggested improvements would totally eliminate the few glitches recorded.”