JAMB Acknowledges UTME Obsolescence, Plans Reform

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recognized that its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has remained unchanged for over 30 years and may no longer effectively select candidates for tertiary institutions. On Wednesday in Abuja, JAMB's Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, inaugurated a committee of experts and stakeholders to reform the UTME by including life skills and critical thinking components.

Aina stated that the current examination model duplicates efforts since candidates are already assessed on subject expertise through their O-Level examinations. He questioned the validity of JAMB's assessment methods and emphasized the need for reform to align with the evolving educational landscape.

The committee, chaired by Prof. Boniface Nworgu from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been tasked with examining the proposal within an initial four-week timeframe, although more time may be granted if necessary. The Federal Government, represented by Dr. Tunji Alausa, supports this reform, aiming to develop fair and transparent assessment modalities.