TechPression

Tag: CBT

  • UTME 2025: Why JAMB suspended two CBT centres

    UTME 2025: Why JAMB suspended two CBT centres

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has taken decisive action by suspending two Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for violating registration procedures during the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). 

    The announcement was made on Tuesday, and the suspension will last 14 days.

    Read also: Nigeria sets 3-year timeline to transition JAMB, NECO, WAEC exams to computer-based testing

    Details of the suspension

    The affected centres are the Federal College of Education (Technical) Potiskum in Yobe State and a CBT Centre in Otukpo, Benue State. JAMB’s spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin, emphasised that these centres failed to comply with established registration guidelines. Specifically, they submitted blank copies of registration templates instead of correctly filled forms. 

    The violation undermines the integrity of the registration process and raises concerns about security measures in place to prevent infractions.

    In his statement, Dr Benjamin expressed disappointment that some centres disregarded clear instructions, stating, “It is concerning that some centres, despite being fully briefed on the implications of failing to adhere to these guidelines, have chosen to disregard them by submitting blank copies of the registration template in a misguided effort to increase candidate submissions”.

    Read also: Nigeria to fully migrate NECO, SSCE to Computer-Based Testing from 2027 to tackle malpractice

    JAMB’s commitment to integrity

    The UTME registration began on February 3, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude on March 8, 2025. JAMB has mandated that all candidates manually fill out their details before uploading them to the registration portal. This process is crucial for maintaining accurate records and ensuring that all candidate information is valid.

    Dr Benjamin further warned other CBT centres about potential consequences for similar violations, stating, “Any centre found uploading blank templates in the future will face cancellation and will be barred from participating in the Board’s activities”.This suspension serves as a stern warning to uphold the standards expected by JAMB and protect the integrity of the examination process.

    The founder of JAMB, established primarily to streamline admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, has always advocated for transparency and fairness in educational assessments. By enforcing strict adherence to registration protocols, JAMB aims to foster a credible environment for all candidates participating in the UTME.

  • Nigeria sets 3-year timeline to transition JAMB, NECO, WAEC exams to computer-based testing

    Nigeria sets 3-year timeline to transition JAMB, NECO, WAEC exams to computer-based testing

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has established a three-year timeframe for the transition of all O’Level exams administered by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to computer-based testing (CBT).

    Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, made this announcement during a meeting with the Director of Senior Secondary Education in Abuja, as well as representatives from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), NECO, and WAEC.

    In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, explained this. To preserve the integrity of all exams, the minister reiterated the government’s uncompromising position that there is no room for exam malpractice.

    Read also: NECO expands global reach by accrediting foreign institutions in Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea

    Committee to be set up in January 2025 to address key examination issues

    A committee has been established to address critical issues, such as examination leaks, fraud, identity theft, and enhancing supervision, the announcement stated. The group will be formally established in January 2025.

    He emphasised that the government is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of the placement tests conducted by JAMB, as well as the high-stakes and accomplishment exams organised by NECO and WAEC.

    “One of the key decisions at the meeting was the transition of all examinations (achievement and placement) into a CBT platform within the next three years, ensuring a more secure and efficient examination process,” the minister stated.

    “This is a significant step towards building a robust and credible examination system for Nigeria. We are moving swiftly to protect the future of our education system and ensure that our students’ achievements are recognised fairly and accurately,” he stressed.

    Read also: WAEC fixes dates to conduct computer-based tests for private candidates

    Minister of State for Education laments high rate of examination malpractices 

    Dr Suwaiba Ahmad, the Minister of State for Education, voiced her concerns over the widespread use of unethical techniques in Nigeria’s educational system.

    She detailed alarming behaviours like schools bribing officials to allow cheating and pupils contributing money to acquire leaked answers via WhatsApp.

    Ahmad stressed that these behaviours harm students’ academic and moral growth and damage the validity of assessments.

    She reiterated the Ministry’s resolve to implement stringent policies to prevent misconduct, guarantee responsibility, and preserve the integrity of the country’s testing system. To restore equity and openness, she urged all parties involved to cooperate.

    “With these measures in place, Nigeria is poised to strengthen the credibility of its educational system and set a new standard for examination security,” the statement noted.