Oloyede Says UTME Had Few Hitches

The ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination has recorded a few challenges nationwide, with issues reported at only 16 of about 980 centres, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said on Saturday.

Oloyede spoke in Ibadan during a monitoring visit to Computer-Based Test centres at the University of Ibadan.

He described the exercise as largely successful, with most problems limited to power supply and minor technical faults.

“Like any human activity, there will be challenges, but they have been minimal,” he said.

“Out of about 980 centres nationwide, we have recorded issues in only about 16 centres,” he said.

The registrar added that the board had conducted examinations for more than 1.7 million candidates within three days despite initial concerns.

In response to reports of candidates being kidnapped, Oloyede cautioned against unverified claims.

Oloyede said linking such incidents to JAMB without evidence complicates security efforts and that the priority should be the safe return of those affected.

“It is unfortunate that people were kidnapped, but linking them directly to JAMB without evidence complicates security efforts.

“The focus should be on ensuring their safe return,” he said.

Oloyede criticised widespread misunderstandings about the UTME’s role in admissions, noting that the exam is only one criterion alongside O-Level results.

He warned candidates and parents against dealing with fraudsters offering fake examination answers or score upgrades.

According to him, JAMB has increased efforts to track and prosecute such individuals, with several suspects already facing charges.

He cited one case where a suspect continued to defraud parents while in custody by promising to raise the candidates’ scores.

“We have our own mechanisms to detect such fraud. Those who attempt shortcuts will be identified and sanctioned,” Oloyede said.

He urged the public to report fraudulent social media platforms and commended security agencies for their support in tackling examination malpractices.