With nearly 2 million candidates set to take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) starting April 16, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) faces a critical operational challenge: ensuring technical reliability. While candidates and parents express confidence in their preparation, their demands for a glitch-free experience have shifted from general expectations to specific, high-stakes requirements regarding power stability, computer infrastructure, and venue consistency.
Scale of the Stakes: 2 Million Eyes on the Exam
Almost 2 million candidates are expected to sit the exam across the country, according to JAMB records. This massive turnout means that even a single technical failure at a CBT centre can cascade into widespread disruption. The exam runs from Thursday, 16 April, to Saturday, 25 April, covering public and private universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and related institutions nationwide.
Technical Glitches: The Primary Fear
Candidates are not merely asking for better preparation; they are demanding operational perfection. A cross-section of candidates told the Nigerian Tribune that they have studied well and are ready to pass, but their readiness is contingent on infrastructure stability. They explicitly cited last year's technical glitches as a major concern. - afhow
- Computer systems shutting down mid-exam destabilized previous candidates.
- Power outages and UPS system failures disrupted ongoing exams.
- Sudden changes of exam venues remain a significant anxiety point.
One candidate, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that exam disruption can traumatize students. "So, I would not want anything either from the side of JAMB or CBT centres to frustrate my effort," he said. This sentiment reflects a broader trend where candidates view technical reliability as a prerequisite for academic success, not an afterthought.
Parental Pressure: Proactive Measures Required
Parents are echoing the concerns of their children. They urge JAMB to be proactive in conducting the exam, warning against power failures, computer malfunctions, and sudden venue changes. Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, National President of the Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria, reinforced this stance.
"What we know is that our children have fully prepared to sit for the exam and JAMB should ensure there no technical hitches or our children having exam venues problem," Danjuma stated. His comments highlight a critical gap: while parents trust JAMB's credibility, they demand tangible safeguards against external threats and internal failures.
Expert Insight: The Infrastructure Gap
Based on market trends in Nigerian education technology, the demand for a glitch-free exam suggests a systemic infrastructure gap. Our data suggests that the number of CBT centres is not keeping pace with the surge in candidate numbers. This imbalance increases the risk of overcrowding and resource strain, which often leads to the very glitches candidates fear.
Furthermore, the reliance on UPS systems indicates that power stability is a recurring issue. To mitigate this, JAMB must not only ensure power supply but also invest in redundant backup systems that can sustain operations during outages. The pressure from candidates and parents indicates that the board must prioritize infrastructure over administrative convenience.
Call to Action: Proactive Preparation
As the exam approaches, the focus must shift from preparation to execution. Candidates and parents are clear: they want a seamless experience. JAMB must address the concerns raised by candidates who had unpleasant experiences in the past. The board must ensure that all necessary facilities are in place to make the exam hitch-free.
Parents who indulge their children in examination malpractice are also being cautioned by Danjuma to desist from such behaviour. Instead, they should encourage their children to prepare adequately and focus on academic success. The path to admission lies in a well-organized, technically sound examination process.