By Sodiq Adelakun
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has paid the sum of N1.4 billion to owners of private Computer-Based Test centres across the country for services rendered during the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The examination body, through its Director of Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin, made this known in Abuja on Thursday.
Dr Benjamin said the amount was less than N59.5 million which was part of the approved sum meant for JAMB- owned CBT centres.
Explaining the payment, Benjamin noted that prompt discharge of obligations to partners is key to promoting and sustaining a cordial working relationship, especially when they have performed creditably.
He said, “It is to be noted that most of the centres used for the examination are not JAMB-owned while some are ICT facilities of tertiary institutions.
“This symbiotic relationship between the Board and the privately-owned CBT centres and others is collaborative in nature and is designed to ensure better quality service delivery and inclusiveness.
“Hence, the Board is proud to announce that all owners of centres who rendered quality service during the just-concluded examination had been appropriately commended for a job well done and paid accordingly.”
He assured that as a responsive organisation, the Board will continue to ensure that every candidate is guaranteed unfettered access to higher education through the provision of a level playing field for all.
Benjamin reiterated the Board’s commitment to protect the integrity of its examinations and delivery of quality assessment through continuous deployment of technology.