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UTME Use of English: Is JAMB’s Exam Fair? Expert Calls for Urgent Reform

The UTME Use of English section has long been a crucial part of Nigeria’s university entrance exam. However, concerns about its fairness and effectiveness have sparked fresh debates among educators and students. Nigerian scholar Victor Adedayo, a Ph.D. student in Applied Linguistics at Oklahoma State University, has called for urgent reforms, arguing that the JAMB Use of English exam does not accurately measure the language skills required for academic success.

Concerns About the UTME Use of English

Drawing on his experience as an English language tutor and content specialist, Adedayo questions the fairness and reliability of the UTME Use of English exam. He assessed it based on six key testing principles—reliability, construct validity, authenticity, interactiveness, impact, and practicality—and found it lacking in several areas.

Reliability and Fairness Issues

Adedayo highlighted concerns about whether JAMB’s Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers provide consistent test conditions. He argued that a reliable test should produce similar results regardless of the location, yet JAMB has not provided enough evidence to prove this consistency across its 793 accredited CBT centers.

Validity of the Exam Structure

Another major issue is construct validity—whether the test measures the right skills. Adedayo believes the UTME Use of English focuses too much on isolated skills like comprehension, lexis and structure, and oral proficiency rather than real-world language use.

He also criticized JAMB’s approach to oral proficiency, noting that correct pronunciation cannot be properly assessed without listening exercises, which are missing in the test. Additionally, he pointed out that unclear score interpretation leads to inconsistencies and biases.

Lack of Authenticity in UTME Use of English

Authenticity is another major flaw in the current exam format. University students need to participate in classroom discussions, argumentative writing, and letter composition, yet the UTME Use of English does not effectively assess these essential skills.

Adedayo also criticized the use of a single comprehension passage for all candidates, arguing that it favors students whose academic background aligns with the passage. A more tailored approach could better reflect the diverse academic interests of candidates.

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Strengths of the UTME Format

Despite his criticisms, Adedayo acknowledged some positive aspects of the exam. He praised JAMB’s transition to computer-based testing, describing it as a practical move given the large number of candidates. He also noted that multiple-choice questions allow for easier grading.

However, he warned that prioritizing convenience over fairness and accuracy limits the test’s ability to truly assess candidates’ language proficiency. This is why many Nigerian universities conduct additional language screening for admitted students.

Recommendations for Reform

To improve the UTME Use of English, Adedayo proposed several key reforms:

Enhancing Reliability

JAMB should ensure consistent testing conditions across all CBT centers by addressing technical and administrative challenges.

Improving Test Design

The exam should be restructured to reflect real-world language demands in universities, including classroom discussions and academic writing.

Ensuring Authenticity

Test content should cater to diverse academic fields, rather than using a one-size-fits-all comprehension passage.

Clearer Score Interpretation

JAMB should provide transparent guidelines for interpreting scores, reducing inconsistencies and biases.

A Call for Change

Adedayo’s analysis of the UTME Use of English raises important questions about fairness and effectiveness in Nigeria’s university entrance exams. As JAMB continues to refine its testing procedures, his recommendations highlight the need for reforms that would make the UTME Use of English a more accurate measure of students’ readiness for higher education.

With millions of candidates relying on the UTME as the gateway to university admission, ensuring that the exam is both fair and effective should remain a top priority for education stakeholders in Nigeria.

Final Thoughts

Reforming the UTME Use of English will not only improve fairness but also help students develop the right skills for academic success. Do you think JAMB should adopt these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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