In a significant move aimed at ensuring the integrity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has instructed parents to refrain from visiting Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres during the 2024 UTME exercise.
This directive was announced during the final briefing of CBT centre owners, conducted virtually. Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the spokesperson for JAMB, emphasized that parents found violating this directive would face arrest, with their wards being disqualified from sitting for the examination.
The decision to enforce this measure was prompted by the disruptive behavior exhibited by some parents during previous JAMB exercises. Instances of individuals masquerading as parents to infiltrate the centres and engage in various transgressions have been reported.
In light of these challenges, Prof. Isha’q Oloyede, the Registrar of JAMB, highlighted the importance of upholding the extant national policy on education, which stipulates that candidates for the examination must be at least 17 years old.
Furthermore, the Board has directed security operatives to collaborate closely with CBT centres to apprehend any parent attempting to breach the regulation. Prof. Oloyede reiterated the determination to sanction parents who circumvent the age requirement by escorting underage candidates to the examination venues.
In addition to this directive, JAMB issued a stern warning to candidates, urging them to safeguard their personal details, including email addresses, registration, and phone numbers. This caution comes amid concerns that some candidates may fall prey to fraudulent websites offering unauthorized assistance.
Candidates were informed that any involvement with such illicit platforms would result in prosecution, as they would be considered accomplices in compromising the integrity of the examination process.
JAMB’s proactive measures underscore its commitment to upholding the standards of fairness and transparency in the UTME. The Board’s efforts to curb malpractices and safeguard the interests of candidates remain paramount.
Candidates may feel reassured knowing that measures are being taken to uphold the integrity of the examination process which could alleviate concerns about unfair advantages gained through malpractice.
Also, the JAMB’s assurance of collaboration with security operatives may alleviate the worries of insecurity to some extent.
This measure could contribute to a smoother and more orderly conduct of the UTME.
