Abuja: Education stakeholders have urged the newly appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina, to improve access, fairness, inclusiveness, and technological efficiency in the conduct of examinations nationwide. Stakeholders spoke in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) following Aina’s appointment as registrar of the examination body.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the National President of the Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (PTA), Prof. Bonyface Odeh, described the appointment of the 39-year-old professor as appropriate, emphasising that age should not be a barrier to leadership. Odeh urged the new registrar to address challenges associated with the Computer-Based Test examination system, particularly the inadequate access to computers in many secondary schools.
Odeh highlighted that many secondary schools in Nigeria lack computers, making it challenging for students to sit for university admission examinations using a computer. He stressed the need for schools to be equipped with computers to enable students to acquire basic digital skills before examinations. Additionally, Odeh called for more flexible policies regarding the correction of candidates’ personal details, such as names and age, to accommodate genuine registration mistakes without unnecessary bottlenecks.
Odeh further urged the Federal Government to ensure fairness and adherence to the federal character principle in appointments to key national institutions. He expressed optimism that the new registrar would build on the achievements of his predecessor while addressing existing gaps within the examination system.
Education analyst, Mr. Nathaniel Adamu, expressed confidence in Aina’s ability to drive innovation and strengthen JAMB’s operations through technology and modern reforms. He noted that Aina’s educational background and expertise in technology would help improve service delivery and address technical challenges experienced during examinations. Adamu emphasized that Aina’s relatively young age could work in his favor by enabling him to understand the realities and challenges faced by candidates in the digital era.
Mr. Bassey Bassey, Principal of Grace of God Schools, described the appointment of younger persons into educational leadership positions as a positive step capable of driving reforms in the sector. He urged the new registrar to tackle challenges facing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, including inadequate CBT centres, long travel distances for candidates, and technical failures during examinations. Bassey commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing younger persons into leadership positions, describing the move as progressive and necessary for national development.
Mr. Enyi Michael, Principal of Maria Assumpta School, also supported the idea that younger leadership would help address modern challenges confronting examination bodies, especially issues relating to hacking and digital system management.