The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has concluded this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), marking it as the best thus far, according to Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Public Communication Advisor of the board.
In an interview, Dr. Benjamin expressed gratitude to their partners, including the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and security agencies, for their significant contributions to the success of the examination. He credited the NIMC platform for registration, describing it as a game changer in curbing infractions.
He explained that the registration process began with candidates sending their National Identification Number (NIN) to the board’s USSD codes, streamlining the system and adding significant value. Dr. Benjamin emphasized the importance of ensuring integrity from the registration stage, as any compromise could affect the entire process.
Regarding candidates whose biometrics were not verified, Dr. Benjamin assured that the board is reviewing each case on its merit before deciding on the examination’s scheduling. For candidates who missed the exam due to tardiness or other issues unrelated to the board’s fault, he stated that they would have the opportunity to try again next time.
The successful conduct of the 2024 UTME underscores JAMB’s commitment to maintaining integrity and fairness in the examination process, ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates.
The successful conclusion of the UTME and the commendation it received from JAMB officials may boost confidence among students and their families in the examination system. This reassurance is crucial, especially for those who rely on these exams for admission into tertiary institutions.
Additionally, the assurance from JAMB regarding fairness and integrity in the examination process, including the review of cases where biometrics were not verified, may alleviate concerns about the fairness of the system. This can foster trust in the examination authorities and promote transparency in future examinations.
Furthermore, the announcement that candidates who missed the exam due to valid reasons will have the opportunity to try again next time provides hope and encouragement to those affected. This ensures that individuals are not unfairly penalized for circumstances beyond their control, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in education.
However, the emphasis on the NIMC platform for registration highlights the increasing role of technology in educational processes. This may encourage further adoption of technology in education and related sectors, potentially leading to more efficient and streamlined processes in the future.
