2024 UTME Begins Nationwide with Few Technical Hitches

The 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) commenced on Friday after extensive preparations by the Joint Admission and Matriculations Board (JAMB), with testing taking place in over 700 centres nationwide.

Although there were sporadic reports of internet glitches, JAMB officials assured that every candidate would be accommodated and no one would face discrimination due to these minor technical challenges.

Addressing reporters in Kogo-Bwari, Abuja, after overseeing the examination process, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyode criticized corporate bodies and individuals who hastily offer scholarships to supposed top-performing candidates based solely on UTME scores. He emphasized that such practices undermine the integrity of the examination process.

Referring to past controversies, including the case of Mmesoma, who falsely claimed to be the top scorer in the 2023 UTME, Oloyode stressed the importance of considering multiple criteria for admission, not just UTME scores. He highlighted factors like the quality of O Level results, performance in Post-UTME exams, and physical assessments for specific institutions like the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

Acknowledging the start of the 2024 UTME, Oloyode reassured candidates who encountered glitches that they would be rescheduled to write the exam. He urged patience, noting that such technical issues are expected in a nationwide examination but should not disrupt the process.

Furthermore, JAMB has empowered Computer Based Centre (CBT) owners to arrest parents found near examination halls, alleging their involvement in aiding malpractices, a move aimed at upholding the integrity of the examination system.