The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies has assured the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) of its readiness to assist in addressing the challenges militating against the conduct of Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across the country.
The Chairman of the Committee, Oboku Oforji, made the promise during an oversight exercise to monitor the ongoing UTME in some centres within the Federal Capital Territory, on Friday.
A statement issued by the media unit of the committee on Saturday quoted Oforji as describing UTME as a vehicle used by young Nigerians in their journey to self-discovery.
“To me and the committee, we are very proud of what JAMB is doing. Seeing what they are doing today gives us hope for our country,” Oforji said.
Oforji, however, noted a few challenges at some of the centres, particularly the absence of basic amenities such as air conditioning and first aid services.
This is just as the Committee identified some challenges, including poorly ventilated halls and the lack of medical personnel on standby to handle possible emergencies.
“Some of the halls were too compact, and candidates were seen fanning themselves because of poor ventilation. We frown at the absence of nurses and inadequate first aid facilities in some centres, especially those hosting up to 250 candidates,” he added.
That said, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker also raised concern over complaints about multiple payments and registration glitches made by candidates, assuring that such would be discussed at a stakeholders’ meeting very soon.
He noted that, despite the identified challenges, the candidates remained resilient and determined, as observed in all the centres visited by the Committee in the nation’s capital.
“You can see the zeal and commitment in our children. In spite of the uncomfortable conditions in some centres, their determination to succeed is commendable.
“They are making us proud. Seeing what they are doing today gives us hope in our country. We recall that our country is passing through serious challenges, but we are very proud of them and the level of their commitment and zeal.
“You can also see the interactive section, the rational issues they are raising, questions. One of them talked about multiple registration which attract multiple payment.
“The issues they have raised, we are going to take them up with the leadership of JAMB because we believe that JAMB is playing a very key role for our children to gain admission”, Oforji stressed.
The PUNCH
