The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning against parental interference during the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) by threatening to arrest any parent found near Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers. This directive was highlighted during a virtual briefing with CBT center owners held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, aimed at enforcing stricter examination conduct.
Stricter Measures Against Exam Malpractice
In response to several incidents during previous examinations where parental interference led to disruptions and potential cheating, JAMB has decided to implement tougher measures. According to JAMB spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, the board discovered that some parents, under the guise of guardianship, were facilitating exam infractions, which compromised the integrity of the exams.
Actions Against Disruptive Parents
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, emphasized that the involvement of parents in the examination centers has historically led to attempts to influence the outcomes unfairly. He stated, “Any parent who disobeys this order will not only be arrested, but their ward will also be disqualified from sitting for the examination.” This rule is part of broader efforts to ensure that exams are conducted in a fair and orderly manner.
Underage Candidates and Parental Overreach
The crackdown also addresses concerns about underage candidates being “smuggled” into taking the examination. Oloyede noted that according to the national policy on education, a candidate must be at least 17 years old to sit for the UTME. The presence of parents at exam centers is often linked to younger, underage candidates attempting the exam, which is against JAMB’s regulations.
Preparations for the 2024 UTME
Looking ahead to the UTME, scheduled to be held in over 700 CBT centers nationwide, JAMB assures that all necessary arrangements have been finalized to conduct a seamless examination process. While the board anticipates a smooth exercise, it has also prepared contingencies to address any technical glitches that might arise. If any session is disrupted due to technical issues, affected candidates will be rescheduled to later sessions or possibly the next day, depending on the specific circumstances and center availability.
Ensuring Examination Integrity
These measures reflect JAMB’s commitment to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the UTME, which is a critical evaluation tool for tertiary education admissions in Nigeria. By eliminating external influences and potential misconduct, JAMB aims to uphold the standard of the examination and ensure fairness for all candidates.
Enhancing Security Measures
To further reinforce security during the UTME, JAMB has coordinated with local law enforcement agencies to ensure that the no-parent zone around CBT centers is strictly enforced. This initiative not only aims to prevent potential disruptions but also to create a more focused and less stressful environment for the candidates. The presence of security personnel is intended to deter not just parents but also any unauthorized individuals from attempting to access the centers, thereby safeguarding the sanctity of the exams.
Promoting Candidate Responsibility
JAMB’s regulations also stress the importance of encouraging candidates to take personal responsibility for their examination experience. By reducing parental presence, candidates are urged to rely on their own abilities and preparations. This approach is designed to foster independence among students and prepare them for the challenges of tertiary education, where personal initiative and self-reliance are essential.
Communication and Awareness
In light of these new regulations, JAMB has ramped up its communication efforts to ensure that all stakeholders, especially parents and candidates, are fully aware of the rules and the rationale behind them. Through various platforms, including social media, official bulletins, and collaboration with educational institutions, JAMB aims to reach a wide audience to minimize confusion and non-compliance.
Monitoring and Feedback
JAMB has also set up mechanisms to monitor the implementation of these new rules during the examination process. Feedback from CBT center operators, invigilators, and candidates will be crucial in assessing the effectiveness of the no-parent rule and other security measures. This feedback will be instrumental in making adjustments in future examinations and in refining the board’s strategies to combat malpractice.
Looking Towards the Future
As the 2024 UTME approaches, JAMB’s focus remains clear: to conduct a fair, credible, and efficient examination that accurately assesses candidates’ readiness for higher education. The measures introduced this year may serve as a model for future examinations, potentially leading to more widespread reforms in how standardized tests are administered in Nigeria.
Conclusion
JAMB’s initiative to enforce a no-parent zone at CBT centers represents a significant step towards enhancing the integrity and fairness of the UTME. By taking decisive action against examination malpractice and external interference, JAMB is setting a standard that could transform the landscape of educational assessments in Nigeria. As the community adapts to these changes, the ultimate goal is to ensure that the UTME remains a trustworthy and effective gateway to higher education opportunities.
