The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has received assurances from the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies that it is prepared to help overcome the issues impeding the nationwide administration of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The commitment was made by Committee Chairman Oboku Oforji on Friday during an oversight exercise to keep an eye on the ongoing UTME in a few locations within the Federal Capital Territory.
Oforji described UTME as a tool utilized by young Nigerians on their path to self-discovery in a statement released by the committee’s media arm on Saturday.
“The committee and I are really pleased with what JAMB is doing. We have hope for our nation after witnessing what they are doing today,” Oforji remarked.
However, Oforji pointed out several issues at some of the centers, most notably the lack of basic facilities like air conditioning and first aid.
This comes right after the Committee noted a few issues, such as inadequately ventilated hallways and a shortage of medical staff available to deal with any crises.
Candidates were observed fanning themselves in some of the halls due to inadequate ventilation because they were too small. We express disapproval of certain centers’ lack of nurses and subpar first aid supplies, particularly those that accommodate up to 250 applicants,” he continued.
That said, the Peoples Democratic Party lawmaker also raised concern over complaints about multiple payments and registration glitches made by candidates, assuring that such would be discussed at a stakeholders’ meeting very soon.
He noted that, despite the identified challenges, the candidates remained resilient and determined, as observed in all the centres visited by the Committee in the nation’s capital.
“You can see the zeal and commitment in our children. In spite of the uncomfortable conditions in some centres, their determination to succeed is commendable.
“They are making us proud. Seeing what they are doing today gives us hope in our country. We recall that our country is passing through serious challenges, but we are very proud of them and the level of their commitment and zeal.
“You can also see the interactive section, the rational issues they are raising, questions. One of them talked about multiple registration which attract multiple payment.
“The issues they have raised, we are going to take them up with the leadership of JAMB because we believe that JAMB is playing a very key role for our children to gain admission”, Oforji stressed.
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