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2024 UTME: Mixed experiences in Lagos CBT centres

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Hitches were reported at some centres in Lagos on Friday as the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) began across the country.
No fewer than 1.9 million candidates registered for the computer-based examination nationwide.

The first day of the examination in Lagos report that technical hitches occurred at the Wisdom House, Yaya Abatan,  Ogba, one of the Computer-Based Test centres, early in the day.

Some candidates claimed that the hitches  led to some of them being logged out before the expected time.

One of the affected candidates, who gave her name as Precious, said she was scheduled for the first session.

She said that she got to the centre at 6:30 am, did her biometrics and went in for the examination.

According to her, a few minutes after commencement of the examination, there was power outage that led to the shut down of all the systems in the hall.

She said that it took about 45 minutes for the centre operators to rectify the challenge and even when they did, many of them could no longer log in.

“A lot of  time was again spent by the centre owners battling to get the challenge resolved and eventually when they did, most of us could barely do only two subjects, while others could not attempt any before we were finally logged out, signaling the end of examination for the first session,” she said.

Confirming the issue, supervisor of the centre, Mrs Aisha Abdulbaqi, said no fewer than 50 candidates were affected by the development.

She cited land cable of the centre and the systems as the main issues.

“We are thinking of what to do about these candidates who are affected. I guess the only way out will be rescheduling them,” she said.

The centre administrator, who did not want his name in print, said the entire development came up abruptly.

He said that before now, the systems and all other backups had been in top shape.

“It was just a technical glitch, and when it occurred, we immediately rallied round to fix it and everything started working again”, he said.

NAN reports that the second session for the day that was supposed to begin by 9.00 a.m was postponed to 4.00p.m. in the same centre, because of another technical hitch.

“The  examination for the second set has now been also postponed, because the  technical officers from JAMB have been battling to push the examination to no avail.

“This is no longer a fault from the centre, rather a hitch from the side of owners of the examination.

“The candidates for the second and final session will have to wait and get another biometric verification done before the time,” the centre administrator told NAN.

At the Al-Miyzan CBT centre, Ikotun-Idimu, the same issue was also recorded, as candidates scheduled for the 7.00 a.m. examination were affected by technical hitches on the system.

The centre  administrator told NAN that a complaint had been lodged at  JAMB, to see how the issue could be resolved.

They noted that candidates  affected would be sent emails  of when they they might likely be rescheduled for the examination.

Mrs Ajike Ajibola, a business woman,  whose daughter was posted to the centre, said that they left their home early so they could meet up with the 7.00 a.m examination.

“But my daughter told me she could not do any examination on entering the hall, because the system was not coming up.

“This is the  second time of bringing my children to this center, it is always this same issue.

“JAMB  officials must be aware of this situation and address it immediately, because my daughter must write her examination,”she said.

“Another parent, Mr Adeniyi Adesonkan, who said his son was affected, described the development as disappointing.

He said that the failure of technology during such critical events in the country was worrisome.

“My son had prepared rigorously for this examination but with this situation, he won’t be happy.

“JAMB officials should always monitor and supervise these centres before accrediting them,” he said.

Meanwhile, the examination began as scheduled in other centres visited, with record of few candidates coming in behind time and some others absent.

At the WAEC Test and Training Centre (WTTC) Ogba,  the exercise went smoothly,  with no incidents recorded for both the first and second sessions.
Prof. Ibrahim Imam, a supervisor for Centre 1 at the venue, told a  newsmen that the exercise was hitch free.
“I want to say that so far, it has been a cosy ride. There has not been any hitch, impersonation or examination malpractice,  in any form.
“However, about four candidates did not show up for the examination at the centre.
“We started by 6.30 a.m. with the biometric verification and other necessary checks and so far it has been excellent.
“Even though it is Day 1 of this examination, we can comfortably say, this centre will be hitch free all through the exercise, because of the facilities and the  environment.
“The candidates too have been of good behaviour, just like members of staff of the centre, who have been at their best,  to ensure an excellent outing,” he said.
Dr Kolawole Mauruf, another supervisor at Centre 2 of the same WTTC, said that a total of 12 candidates did not show up in his own centre.
He said that 238 sat for the examination for the first session but could not say the number that were present for the second and final session for the day.
Some candidates that wrote the examination, however, complained of misplacement of options for some questions in the ‘Use of English’ paper.
Also, Mr Yomi Otubela, Proprietor, Lagooz School and CBT center, Agege, said that the two batches that sat for the examination at the centre recorded no hitches.
Otubela said though the examinations were just starting, the centre was fully prepared for the task.
“Any centre having issues this year must be from their end, because JAMB has provided necessary things for a seamless examination.
“From tomorrow, we will be expecting more candidates, because three batches are writing tomorrow,” he said.
The examination taking place in over 700 centres nationwide, will  be concluded on April 29.

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How Palmpay overcame trust deficit in 12 months- MD Nwosu

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Nigerians’ trust in Palmpay, a Central Bank of Nigeria’s fintech licensed bank, has grown tremendously in the last 12 months.

The Managing Director of Palmpay Nigeria, Chika Nwosu, disclosed this recently when he appeared on  Channels TV Business Roundtable.

Recall that the CBN recently restricted Palmpay and four fintech banks from onboarding new customers.

However, Nwosu gave insights into regulatory concerns surrounding the FinTech ecosystem and said that Palmpay has come to stay within Nigeria’s banking sector.

“Whatever happens with regulation is for the good of the FinTech space in Nigeria. Initially, when we started, there was an issue of trust. However, I can tell you now that the last 1 year after the cashless policy has seen the trust start to grow”.

The Managing Director emphasized PalmPay’s unwavering support for regulators in regulating the FinTech ecosystem, underscoring that regulators want to improve the services of strong players in the FinTech space, such as PalmPay.

On the ease of doing business and how it affects PalmPay, he said:

“Doing business in Nigeria for us is difficult, but Nigerians are embracing our App and digital payment”.

When asked about the problem of failed transfers, he stressed,

“Every institution has its business strategy and infrastructure. For us and most fintechs, we have a structure that makes transactions seamless”.

Regarding the regulator’s recent onboarding policy, he stated that PalmPay agreed with the regulators on some grey areas that must be addressed.

Reassuring customers that there was no issue with using PalmPay, he emphasized, “If PalmPay completes their own today, we will start onboarding today”.

On the issue of trust and the security of the PalmPay app, he said,

“There is no day you won’t see on our app boldly written that we are licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and our deposits are insured by the Nigeria Deposits Insurance Corporation (NDIC). PalmPay is here to stay”.

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Mushin LG Chairman flags off construction of Yusuf Street road, promises solar lighting

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The Mushin Local Government Chairman, Hon. Emmanuel Bamigboye on Wednesday flagged off the construction of Yusuf Street road in Papa Ajao.

The project is expected to bring relief to residents and traders in the area and is set to be completed within six months.

According to Bamigboye, the project is a fulfillment of his campaign promise to the people of Mushin, and he expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity to execute the project.

He urged residents to cooperate with the contractor and the local government to ensure the successful completion of the project.

The councillor representing the ward, Ayomide Abioye, expressed his joy and appreciation for the project, stating that it is the longest street in Papa Ajao and will bring immense benefit to the community.

Also, the Baba Oloja of Ladipo International Market, Eze Monday, also commended the Executive Chairman for the project, stating that it will make a significant impact on the development of the area.

The project includes the construction of the road and the installation of solar lighting, which is expected to enhance security and facilitate economic activities in the area.

Residents and traders in the area have been warned not to disturb the contractor or disrupt the project in any way.

Meanwhile, the traders applauded Hon. Bamigboye for demonstrating its commitment to infrastructural development and the welfare of its citizens.

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Giving back to community — Prof Oyedokun speaks on motives

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Lead Facilitator Professor of Accounting & Financial Development Founder OGE, Prof. Godwin Emmanuel Oyedokun, has disclosed that giving back to society community is his motive for pursuing his career.

He made the disclosure in an article titled “My motive for running a free professional diploma course in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Investigation is of several folds.”

He said, “Running a free professional diploma course in forensic accounting and fraud investigation is also motivated by my desire to give back to the community.

“By sharing my expertise and knowledge without any financial barriers, I am helping individuals from diverse backgrounds and financial situations to acquire valuable skills and advance their careers.”

The academic reiterated that the motive for running a free professional diploma course in forensic accounting and fraud investigation is centred around education, skill development, community service, and professional growth.

It is a way to contribute to the accounting profession, address a skill gap, and empower individuals in their pursuit of knowledge and career advancement.

According to him, “Promoting Education and Professional Development to contribute to the growth and development of the accounting profession by providing individuals with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in the specialised field of forensic accounting and fraud investigation.

“By offering this free course, i am enabling aspiring professionals to access valuable education that might otherwise be costly or inaccessible.”

The Don addressing the need for expertise in Forensic Accounting said, “In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for professionals skilled in forensic accounting and fraud investigation due to the rise in financial crimes and fraudulent activities. By offering this free course, I am helping to address this skill gap and aiding in the fight against financial fraud.”

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