Photo: Candidates writing the UTME
JAMB to allow candidates write exams with their cellphones, laptops
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it is planning to allow candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to use their mobile phones and other personal devices to write the examinations.
JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede disclosed this during a presentation at the 2023 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions and awards on Saturday in Abuja.
According to him, the new policy, which is informed by the rising cost of logistics in taking the UTME nationwide, will allow the candidates to write the examinations with their phones and other devices.
Oloyede disclosed that it cost JAMB over N1.2 billion to equip a Computer Based Test (CBT) centre in Kaduna state, particularly in procuring computers which candidates use to take the examination.
”The policy which falls under the “Bring Your Own Device” may require candidates wishing to take UTME in the future to bring their own devices to the examination hall,” he said.
He also announced that the Board had set 140 and above as cut off mark for 2022/23 admissions into universities across the country.
Oloyede said 100 had been approved as cut-off mark into Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.
He explained that the aforementioned points were the minimum, but that does not mean that institutions must comply with it.
At the policy meeting, the registrar expressed concern over the craving for university education among candidates to the detriment of polytechnics and colleges of education.
While condemning the wide disparity in admission quotas in the country, he advised aspiring candidates to explore other options within the tertiary education sector for admission. (NAN)
