The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning against examination malpractice, citing a disturbing incident where a father was apprehended for writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on behalf of his son.
The JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed this troubling development while expressing satisfaction with the overall conduct of the 2024 UTME, which saw a staggering 1.94 million students participating.
Addressing reporters in Kaduna, Prof. Oloyede highlighted the significance of technological advancements in detecting and preventing malpractices.
Despite the vast majority of students adhering to the rules, he lamented a few cases of impersonation and fraudulent behavior.
Notably, some individuals have been found to possess multiple National Identity Numbers (NIN), compromising the integrity of identity verification processes.
The registrar underscored the gravity of cheating, emphasizing its detrimental impact on the future prospects of students.
He recounted the shocking incident involving a father impersonating his son during the exam, resulting in both individuals being taken into custody.
Prof. Oloyede expressed disbelief at the father’s actions, questioning the consequences for their relationship as they face legal repercussions together.
While impersonation remains a primary concern, JAMB’s robust technological infrastructure enables swift detection and apprehension of offenders.
Prof. Oloyede reassured the public that malpractices would not go unpunished, emphasizing the importance of upholding academic integrity.
Furthermore, the registrar addressed logistical challenges faced during the exam, particularly concerning registration and exam center arrangements.
He criticized the exploitation of students by schools and third parties seeking financial gain, resulting in disruptions and missed opportunities for candidates.
Prof. Oloyede stressed the need for support from densely populated states like Lagos to establish mega Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centers.
These centers, modeled after the successful facility in Kaduna accommodating up to 4,000 candidates daily, would alleviate logistical constraints and enhance efficiency in exam administration.
While efforts to secure suitable land for a mega CBT center in Lagos have faced hurdles, Prof. Oloyede remains optimistic about cooperation from local authorities.
He urged stakeholders to recognize the importance of investing in infrastructure to ensure fair and transparent conduct of exams nationwide.
In conclusion, the incident involving the father’s arrest serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of exam malpractice.
As JAMB continues to leverage technology and regulatory measures to uphold standards, collaboration with stakeholders remains crucial in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s educational system.
