JAMB Directs CBT Centres to Arrest Parents Approaching UTME Venues

In a bid to curb interference during the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has instructed all Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres to detain any parent found near their facilities during the examination period.

This directive was issued during the final briefing for CBT centre owners, held virtually on Wednesday, 17th April 2024, due to the disruptive behavior exhibited by some parents during previous examinations.

According to Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Registrar of JAMB, any parent who violates this directive will not only be arrested but their ward will also be disqualified from sitting for the examination. This measure is deemed necessary as some parents have been identified as facilitators of exam malpractice, while others have disrupted exams in the past.

Miscreants have also been known to disguise themselves as parents to gain unauthorized access to exam centres. To enforce this directive, JAMB has instructed security agencies to collaborate with the centres in apprehending any parent attempting to meddle in the examination process.

READ ALSO: JAMB warns parents against enrolling minors for UTME

Prof. Oloyede emphasized that candidates must be at least 17 years old to sit for the examination, and parents escorting underage children to exam venues are compromising exam integrity. JAMB urged candidates to safeguard their personal information and avoid fraudulent websites that may attempt to deceive them.

Regarding the technical aspects of the examination, JAMB assured that preparations have been finalized for the 2024 UTME, with over 700 CBT centres nationwide ready to conduct the exams. Contingency plans are in place to address any technical glitches that may arise during the exercise.

Prof. Oloyede warned that any candidate or parent who disrupts subsequent sessions due to technical challenges will be disqualified from the examination. He urged CBT centre owners to view their roles as a national duty and to report any malpractice within their ranks.

Finally, JAMB emphasized its commitment to using advanced technologies to detect and prevent exam malpractice, urging CBT centres to comply with regulations or risk losing accreditation.