Nigerian Exam Board, JAMB Calls For Arrest Of Any Parent Who Goes Near Its Computer-Based UTME Test Centre

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to parents, directing them to stay away from test centers during the upcoming 2024 UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination).

This directive comes after reports of disruptive and intrusive behavior from some parents during previous exams. JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin stated that these actions have jeopardized the integrity of the examinations.

Parents Risking Disqualification for Their Children

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, emphasized that any parent found near a CBT center during the UTME will be arrested, and their child will be disqualified from taking the exam.

The Board claims some parents are “facilitators of examination infractions,” while others may disguise themselves to infiltrate centers and cheat. Oloyede pointed out that UTME candidates must be at least 17 years old, suggesting some parents are attempting to enroll underage students.

JAMB Urges Exam Security and Warns Candidates

JAMB has assured candidates of a secure testing environment. Security operatives will be stationed at test centers to apprehend any “meddlesome parents.” The Board also cautioned candidates to protect their personal information, including email addresses, phone numbers, and registration details. Sharing this information with fraudulent websites could lead to disqualification and prosecution.

Technical Glitches and Rescheduling

While JAMB anticipates a smooth examination, they have measures in place to address any technical glitches. If a session experiences technical issues, subsequent sessions will proceed as planned. However, affected candidates will be rescheduled for the last session of the day, the following day, or potentially even later, depending on the center’s schedule.

Center Owners Urged to Maintain Integrity

JAMB Registrar Oloyede appealed to CBT center owners to prioritize the national importance of the exam over profit. He urged them to report any fraudulent activity among their peers. The Board previously allowed centers to register Direct Entry candidates but discontinued the practice due to instances of cheating.

Oloyede expressed concern about reports of CBT centers attempting to compromise JAMB staff by offering them accommodation. He emphasized that staff are adequately compensated and urged centers to report any staff member soliciting favors.

JAMB Deploys Advanced Technology

The Board has implemented advanced technological safeguards to detect and prevent cheating and other violations of their code of conduct.

The 2024 UTME will be held across over 700 CBT centers nationwide.