The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a strong warning against what it describes as a persistent campaign of misinformation regarding the posting of candidates to examination centers for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In a press statement released today by its Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB vehemently refuted claims that candidates are assigned to centers outside their chosen examination towns.
The Board asserted that during the registration process, candidates have the unequivocal right to select their preferred examination town, and JAMB subsequently places them in a center within that chosen location. JAMB labeled the circulating claims as “erroneous, malicious,” and solely aimed at tarnishing the Board’s reputation.
To definitively counter this “false but popular narrative,” JAMB has taken the unprecedented step of offering a handsome financial reward to any individual who can provide authentic proof of even one candidate being posted outside their selected examination town.
In a bid to ensure transparency and impartiality, JAMB has directed that any such proof be submitted within the next 96 hours to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) via WhatsApp at 08056003030. The FCCPC will act as an independent umpire to verify the evidence and ensure the reward is delivered if the claim is substantiated, or to exonerate JAMB from the recurring accusations.
Drawing a parallel with airline check-in procedures, JAMB also addressed concerns about the advisory for candidates to arrive at CBT centers 90 minutes before the commencement of examinations for preliminary verification. The Board argued that just as airlines require passengers to arrive early for necessary checks, the preliminary processes at examination centers are essential and should be understood by parents who might expect the entire process to conclude within the examination’s duration.
JAMB urged the public to afford public agencies the benefit of the doubt and trust in their commitment to serving the public interest. The Board expressed confidence that its processes are sound and transparent.
In a lighter vein, the statement also shared an anecdote about a female UTME candidate who, following her grandfather’s instructions, refused to answer any questions during her examination session, expecting a “miraculous intervention.” JAMB firmly stated that such miracles do not occur within their examinations and advised candidates against relying on superstition instead of preparation.
This bold move by JAMB underscores its determination to combat misinformation and maintain public trust in its examination processes. The next 96 hours will be crucial in determining whether anyone can provide the evidence to challenge JAMB’s claims.
