JAMB to deploy policy permitting use of phones to write UTME
By Olaseinde Gbenga, Abuja
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is contemplating implementing a new policy “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD), where candidates wishing to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) would be required to use their personal mobile phones, personal devices to take the examination.
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made the disclosure over the weekend in Abuja while speaking at the 2023 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria at Andrews Otutu Obaseki Auditorium, National Judicial Institute, Abuja.
Prof. Ishaq hinged the proposed policy on the rising cost of logistics in taking the UTME nationwide.
According to the Jamb Registrar, it costs the Board over N1.2billion to equip a CBT centre in Kaduna state, particularly in procuring computers which candidates use to take the examination.
The policy which falls under the BYOD policy may require candidates wishing to take UTME in the future to bring their own devices to the examination hall.
Oloyede lamented the desire for university education among candidates at the expense of polytechnics and colleges of education.
While condemning the wide disparity in admission quotas in the country, he urged aspiring undergraduates to explore other options within the tertiary education sector.
In the presentation unveiled by Oloyede, the board said, “On the way forward, we are looking at BOYD – the direction for JAMB Students to bring their telephones. It lowers capital investment but is not helpful for digital literacy. There will be the establishment of a mobile examinational malpractice tribunal to deal with the criminal aspect while institutions handle the misconduct.
“We will be partnering with security operatives and relevant agencies on cyber crimes; engaging the machinery and sponsoring them to tap from their knowledge of candidates. Movement of some services to the registration portal to prevent extortion Open Book Examination to Discourage Cheating,” he noted.
Prof. Ishaq also revealed that the board will partner with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to increase efforts at adopting a single identity for all citizens to discourage impersonation.
