Reps Panel Laments Poor Amenities During UTME in Abuja — Urgent Call for Action!

The lack of basic facilities for students taking the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has been criticized by the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies.

Members, including the committee’s chairman, Oboku Oforji, said this over the weekend while keeping an eye on the ongoing UTME exam in a few FCT locations.

Oforji, who also oversaw the exam administration at SASCON International School Maitama, Capville Schools Dawaki, and Model Junior Secondary School Maitama, observed that basic facilities like air conditioning, well-ventilated halls, and first aid services for potential emergencies were lacking.

The lawmaker noted that some of the halls were so small that candidates were seen fanning themselves because of inadequate ventilation in halls that could accommodate up to 250 candidates. He commended JAMB officials for their efforts to administer the test despite the difficulties, and he promised that candidate complaints regarding numerous payments and registration issues would be discussed and brought up at a stakeholders’ meeting with JAMB management. He also expressed the hope that his team would speak with JAMB leadership to address these issues before future exams.

“You can see the zeal and commitment in our children,” he continued. Their will to succeed is admirable, despite the uncomfortable circumstances in some centers.

“They are making us proud. We have hope for our nation when we see what they are accomplishing today. We remember that our nation is currently facing significant challenges. And we are incredibly proud of them for their zeal and degree of dedication.

Additionally visible are the questions, the interactive portion, and the logical concerns they are bringing up. Additionally, we disapprove of one of them discussing several registrations that result in many payments.

We are going to discuss the concerns they have brought up with the JAMB leadership because we think that JAMB is crucial to our kids’ admission. Establishing a solid foundation is crucial. And we are quite proud of the candidates’ and our children’s degree of dedication. Therefore, we have high hopes for a better nation.