IBADAN, Nigeria – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) proceeds largely without disruption, with more than 1.7 million candidates processed within three days.
Registrar Ishaq Oloyede states on Saturday during a monitoring visit to centres, including the University of Ibadan, that only a small fraction of facilities report issues.
“Out of about 980 centres nationwide, we record challenges in only about 16. These are minimal and promptly resolved,” Oloyede says.
He attributes the isolated glitches to power outages and minor technical faults, insisting the overall conduct remains “superb”.
The registrar dismisses claims linking UTME candidates to recent kidnapping incidents, warning against misinformation.
“It is unfortunate that people were kidnapped but linking them to JAMB without evidence complicates security efforts,” he adds.
Clarifying logistics, Oloyede explains that examinations do not begin at 6:30 a.m., stressing that early arrival is strictly for accreditation. He notes the board recently adjusted the start time to 8:30 a.m. following stakeholder feedback.
He reiterates that UTME scores alone do not determine admission, urging candidates and parents to consider O’Level results and institutional criteria.
Oloyede also warns against fraudsters promising score manipulation.
“We have mechanisms to detect malpractice. Those who attempt shortcuts will be identified and sanctioned,” he says.
JAMB confirms ongoing collaboration with security agencies to track offenders, with several suspects already facing prosecution.
The board maintains that safeguarding examination integrity remains central to ensuring a fair and transparent admission process.
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