The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies has assured the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) of its support in addressing the challenges faced in conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) nationwide.
The Committee Chairman, Oboku Oforji, made this commitment during an oversight visit to several UTME centers within the Federal Capital Territory on Friday.
In a statement released by the committee’s media unit on Saturday, Oforji praised JAMB’s efforts, calling the UTME a vital tool for young Nigerians on their journey to self-discovery. “We are very proud of what JAMB is doing. What we’ve seen today gives us hope for our country,” he said.
However, Oforji noted several issues at some centers, including a lack of basic amenities such as air conditioning and first aid services. The Committee identified challenges like poorly ventilated halls and the absence of medical personnel, especially in centers hosting up to 250 candidates.
“Some halls were overcrowded, and candidates had to fan themselves due to poor ventilation. We are also concerned about the absence of nurses and insufficient first aid facilities,” Oforji said.
Additionally, Oforji raised concerns over complaints from candidates about multiple payments and registration issues, promising that these matters would be discussed at an upcoming stakeholders’ meeting.
Despite these challenges, he commended the resilience and determination of the candidates. “You can see the dedication and commitment in our students. Even in difficult conditions, their determination to succeed is inspiring,” he said.
Oforji also emphasized that the concerns raised by the candidates, such as issues with multiple registrations and payments, would be addressed with JAMB leadership, acknowledging the critical role JAMB plays in helping students secure university admissions.