The recent release of rescheduled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) once again draws attention to the recurring challenges plaguing Nigeria’s tertiary education entrance system. While the move to conduct a resit for affected candidates is a step towards rectifying acknowledged errors, the persistent “UTME saga” demands a deeper reflection and a commitment to more sustainable solutions.
This year’s UTME was, unfortunately, marred by a familiar narrative: widespread technical glitches, unusually low scores, and allegations of inconsistencies. The initial outcry, driven by over 1.5 million candidates reportedly scoring below 200 out of 400, rightly put JAMB under intense pressure. The Registrar’s public admission of “technical and human errors,” even shedding tears, highlighted the gravity of the situation and the immense distress inflicted on hundreds of thousands of young Nigerians.
The decision to reschedule examinations for nearly 380,000 candidates, primarily in Lagos and the South-East, was a necessary damage control measure. However, it also exposed systemic vulnerabilities. The revelation of a crucial software patch implemented in one zone but not others, leading to compromised results, is deeply unsettling. It speaks to a lack of comprehensive quality control and raises questions about the integrity of the examination process. Furthermore, the short notice given to candidates for the resit, especially those simultaneously sitting for other crucial examinations like WAEC, added undue burden and stress.
Beyond the technical malfunctions, the recent UTME has also shed light on other disturbing trends. JAMB’s continued withholding of thousands of results due to suspected malpractices, including identity and biometric fraud, “WhatsApp runs,” and collusion with CBT centres, underscores the entrenched nature of cheating. While JAMB’s efforts to identify and penalize culprits are commendable, the sheer volume of such cases suggests a need for more robust preventive measures and a fundamental shift in societal attitudes towards academic integrity.
The “UTME saga” is not merely about examination scores; it is about the dreams, aspirations, and mental well-being of millions of Nigerian youths. The emotional and financial toll on candidates and their families, forced to navigate a system fraught with uncertainty and irregularities, is immeasurable. The narrative of “mass failure” and the initial dismissal of complaints as signs of effective anti-malpractice measures, only to backtrack later, erodes public trust in a critical institution.
Moving forward, JAMB and indeed the entire education ecosystem must move beyond reactive measures and embrace proactive, long-term strategies. This includes:
Investing in and regularly auditing a resilient and foolproof technical infrastructure that can withstand the demands of a nationwide examination. This involves rigorous testing, redundancy plans, and immediate incident response protocols.
Implementing stricter oversight mechanisms for CBT centres and their staff, with severe consequences for any involvement in malpractice. There must be clear lines of accountability within JAMB itself to prevent future “human errors” of such magnitude.
Establishing clear, timely, and empathetic communication channels with candidates and the public. Promptly acknowledging issues and outlining concrete steps for resolution can significantly mitigate anxiety and distrust.
While punitive measures are necessary, a holistic approach to curbing malpractice is needed. This includes public awareness campaigns, incentivizing ethical conduct, and addressing the pressures that drive students and parents to resort to illicit means.
Given the recurring issues, it might be time to critically re-evaluate the current UTME model. Exploring alternative assessment methods or decentralizing certain aspects of the examination could be considered to reduce the burden on a single, centralized system.
The UTME is a critical gateway to higher education in Nigeria. Its credibility and integrity are paramount. While the recent release of rescheduled results offers a semblance of closure for some, the underlying issues persist. It is a continuous saga that demands sustained commitment, innovation, and a genuine desire to build a fair and reliable system for the future of Nigerian students. Only then can we move from crisis management to cultivating a truly equitable and efficient path to tertiary education.
