The Joint Admission & Matriculations Board (JAMB) has lately been trending with various innovations, ostensibly aimed at correcting the lapses associated with the examinations body, especially the problems and challenges surrounding the year 2016 examination and admission processes into tertiary institutions. The recent changes include the recognition of only CBT registration centres with a minimum of 250-300 units of Computer Terminals plus about 25 back-up units; de-registration of cyber cafes without requisite infrastructural facility and manpower as well as the mandatory provision of CCTV at the centres for subsequent examinations.
The question that agitates many minds is, how does this impact on the stake holders? While one will not but commend the Professor Ishaq Oloyede-led management at JAMB, it is equally instructive to ask questions about the financial implications of the change on the already pauperized Nigerian masses and their wards who may be enrolling for the coming examinations and the time frame for the release and sale of the 2016/2017 forms. This is because any step that is capable of increasing the economic, psychological, financial and mental frustration of Nigerians will not be considered as cost-effective at the end of the day, no matter the initiator.
To this end, the erudite professor and his team have a lot to do, to see that they do not only change the ugly public perception of JAMB, but also ensure the goodwill of the populace.
- Tony Anaele
Ijagemo, Lagos State.
and then