The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is targeting to register 1.8 million candidates for the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). According to the JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, the board has so far registered 500,000 candidates across the country and he warned that there will be no extension of the registration deadline, which is February 14, 2023. The UTME is set to commence on April 29 and end on May 12.
In light of the registration exercise, JAMB has apprehended six operators of computer-based test (CBT) centers in Kano over allegations of illicit registration of candidates for UTME. The arrested operators are said to have compromised the registration process, and they will be handed over to security operatives for prosecution. The JAMB Registrar stated that the board will not tolerate any infringement on its registration process by technical officials of any of its accredited centers.
JAMB has also suspended three of its agents, Parkway Project, Digital Partners, and SystemSpecs, for allegedly charging more than the stipulated amount for UTME registration. The agents were found to have charged candidates N5,800 and N6,500 instead of N5,700. A bank, in connivance with Remita, was also discovered to have charged N8,700 for registration, but the candidate was issued a receipt of N5,700. The affected agents will be given an opportunity to defend their actions, and if their excuses are not justified, they will be banned from further transactions with the board.
JAMB has also made it mandatory for all candidates to provide their email addresses for UTME registration. The policy took effect from January 31, 2023, and is aimed at ensuring best practices are followed in capturing all relevant data pertaining to candidates. The email addresses will also facilitate cheap and efficient transmission of urgent and vital communications to candidates. Candidates are advised to provide genuine email addresses and keep their passwords securely.
In conclusion, JAMB is determined to maintain the integrity of the UTME registration process and has taken steps to prevent any exploitation of candidates. The board has set a deadline of February 14, 2023, for the registration and has warned that there will be no extension. JAMB is targeting 1.8 million candidates to register for the 2023 UTME, and candidates are advised to register within the deadline to avoid any issues.
