10 Problems of Jamb in Nigeria and Possible Solutions

In this article, we will explain ten problems facing JAMB and their possible solutions. To treat this article in detail, we will explain: 1. the meaning of JAMB; 2.problems facing JAMB; 3. their possible solutions.

Meaning of Jamb

JAMB means Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board. It is the examination body saddled with the responsibility of conducting entrance examinations for prospective candidates into Nigerian universities, polytechnics and monotechnics, colleges of education. Simply, all candidates seeking admission into all Nigerian tertiary institutions must write and pass the entrance examinations conducted by JAMB. This is in addition to  having five credits in the required subjects at school SSCE.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board was established by the Act (No.2 of 1978) as decreed by the Federal Military Government on 13^th February,1978. Act ( No .2 of 1978) was later ammended by Decree No. 33 of 1989 which gave JAMB  the power to:

1. Conduct matriculation examination for all candidates into all tertiary institutions in Nigeria,

2. Appoint examiners, moderators, invigilators, members of the subject panels and committees and other persons with respect to matriculation examinations and any other matters incidental thereto or connected therewith,

3. Place suitably qualified candidates in the tertiary institutions after taking into account the following: I. The vacancies available in all tertiary institutions. 2.the guidelines approved  for each tertiary institution by its proprietors or other competent authorities. 3. The preference expressed or otherwise indicated by the candidates for certain  tertiary institutions and courses, 4. Such other matters as the Board may be directed by the Honourable Minister to consider or the Board itself may consider appropriate in the circumstances.

Read More: 10 Functions of JAMB in Nigeria

In 1978, JAMB  started with the conduct of the Joint Matriculation Examination. Later, JAMB changed the name of its entrance examination from JME to UME (Universities Matriculation Examination) and finally, to UTME(Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) recently.

Initially, JAMB administered paper-based tests in the multiple choice format for prospective candidates. However, with the advent of information and communication technology, JAMB changed to the computer-based test format of conducting entrance examinations. It still maintained the multiple choice questions format for its examinations. By implication, all prospective candidates answered questions on the computer and not on paper as  done initially.

With the computerisation of its examinations, JAMB enjoyed some success which include:

1. Elimination of examination malpractices.

2. Removal of hindrances caused by candidates  sitting for post-UTME tests.

3. Reducing the cost of conducting examinations.

4. Candidates have easy access to examination results sent to their emails.

4. Eliminating the additional expenses incurred  to recycle marked answer sheets,

5. Candidates have equal opportunity to write examinations in a transparent manner.

6. Candidates’ results are released quickly. Inspite of the successes  enjoyed by JAMB, it has continue to face challenges.

For the purpose of this article, we will explain ten challenges facing JAMB and their possible solutions.

Read Also: How to check jamb result

10 Problems of Jamb in Nigeria

1. Manual Enrolment of Candidates

In the past, prospective applicants had to go to the JAMB offices and outlets, banks nationwide to purchase its forms. This made the  process of registration tedious and problematic for candidates and their parents.

They had to return their completed forms in person to the zonal offices and the national headquarters in Abuja. In some  instances, some applicants lost their application forms and  consequently, lost the opportunity to write and pass the entrance examination.

2. Problem of Power Failure

Recently, candidates take the computer-based  test conducted by JAMB. This has eliminated the set-backs  and frustration encountered during the conduct of paper-based multiple choice  examinations conducted by JAMB.

Despite this benefit, the conduct of computer-based test is at the mercy of epileptic and erratic power supply in Nigeria.

3. Accessing Jamb’s Website For Registration

Recently, prospective applicants register electronically on JAMB’s website. However, most candidates encounter problem accessing JAMB’s website to register.

This is caused by poor design  and development of JAMB’s website, high amount of candidates registering on the site at the same time,  failure to use the specific bandwidth required for such website.

4. Overcrowding At Registration and Examination Centers

JAMB conducts entrance examinations electronically which means that registration for its examination and sitting for the examination is also achieved electronically at approved cafes and registration centers.

However, it has been observed that these centers are not enough for the purpose of registration and examination. They are inadequate. Consequently, they  become overcrowded. Candidates that want to register on time need to arrive early.

5. Candidates Are Not Familiar With Computer-Based Tests

Most candidates cannot use the computer to answer different questions with different levels of difficulty. They cannot use the mouse to navigate through the questions. Consequently, they are not comfortable answering the questions and hence, they perform poorly in exams.

6. Jamb Website Hacking

It has been observed that hackers have hacked into different websites to steal classified information. The  JAMB website is also affected by hacking.

Hackers have continued to hack the JAMB website to download  fresh questions and answers. This is achieved through the activities of corrupt JAMB officials and Yahoo Yahoo boys. Hacking makes the integrity of the questions questionable. The questions are downloaded and sold to dubious candidates who have unfair advantage.

7. Problems with PIN Generation

Many applicants find it difficult to generate pin on the JAMB website during registration. Some applicants go through the frustration of visiting the website several times before they can complete their registration.

8. Bank Payment For Jamb Registration Is Problematic

Candidates experience problems when generating payment invoice online. Even after generating  it, candidates still have to queue for longer hours to pay for registration. Payment could be delayed by network problem in the bank.

9. nadequate Examination Centers

For JAMB to successfully conduct entrance examinations for prospective applicants, it needs adequate examination centers. Since JAMB has switched to the computer-based test format, examination centers are inadequate.

These centers have shortage of manpower and problems with logistics. Because of these, candidates are frustrated, there is massive examination malpractice and poor performance by candidates.

10. Internet Failure

The computer-based exam conducted by JAMB relies on the computer, internet connectivity and speed. However, most examination centers have slow internet connectivity. In some cases, there is the failure of internet connectivity,

The internet bandwidth is slow, erratic and at times fails to connect. This make candidates fail to answer all questions  correctly and within the time allotted for answering them. Most candidates are logged out prematurely.

By extension, candidates perform poorly in the entrance examinations. It has also been observed that most centers use inferior and expired cables to provide internet connectivity. Some of them connect sub-standard cables to their systems.

Read Also: Tips to Pass JAMB exams and Using JAMB Past Questions

Solutions to the Problems of Jamb in Nigeria

From our  discussion,, it is evident that JAMB is facing problems. However, there are solutions to the problems facing JAMB. They inlude:

1. JAMB must ensure that during examination time, it should maintain constant, reliable and uninterrupted power supply. It could use generators as back-up source of electricity.
2. JAMB must organise tutorial sessions and mock examinations for prospective candidates to familiarise them with the computer-based tests.
3. JAMB must ensure that it embraces totally researches into advanced methods and uses  of software engineering to eliminate hacking into  its website.
4. JAMB must ensure that it prosecutes owners of fraudulent centers and blacklist them from future examinations.
5. JAMB must ensure that more certified centers are provided to eliminate overcrowding of candidates during registration and examination times.
6. JAMB must educate prospective applicants on the need to protect their password entails and pin codes from fraudulent CBT  centre owners and directors.
7. JAMB must ensure that exam centre owners must connect the right cables with required quality to the computers used for registration and taking the computer-based tests. This is achieved by deploying cable experts to centers to do quality control tests on internet cables.

Finally, despite the challenges facing  JAMB, it has achieved a lot of breakthrough to further advance the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria and align its objectives with global best practices in delivering its core mandate which is epitomized by its motto “ Service and Integrity”.

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