Nigerian federal representatives have directed the government to halt its efforts to commence computer-based tests for admission into the nation’s various institutions of higher learning.
According to the plan, previously reported by HumanIPO, interested applicants seeking admission into the nation’s tertiary institutions will from this year be assessed via computer-based Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME).
However, the Nigerian House of Representatives has asked the Ministry of Education to exercise caution. According to the representatives, stakeholders need to come before the house to justify the rationale behind the implementation of the policy.
The representatives also found improprieties in the decision to employ the services of private companies in the conduct of the examination. The lawmakers also want the examination body – Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) – to reveal the contracted companies.
Aliyu Madaki, a lawmaker representing Kano state in the National Assembly, informed the house of JAMB’s intention to totally eliminate examinations in which participants use pencils and papers.
He added that while the board’s plan is laudable, its organisation and conducts have been marred with several controversies which he said the legislators would like the board and the education ministry to clarify.
He also raised concerns over the poor level of sensitisation and preparation for the full implementation of the computer-based tests.
“There was no clear cut modus operandi for the computer-based test method because JAMB itself lacked the competence and facilities to conduct the examinations,” he said.
