By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
PROTESTS BROKE out at several examination centres as candidates sitting the ongoing computer-based tests organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) reported technical disruptions during their exams.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the Computer Based Test (CBT), required for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, was affected by reports of system failures, login issues and unexpected shutdowns, leaving candidates stranded and anxious about their performance.
Candidates said the problems began shortly after the commencement of examinations across centres nationwide.
Some at the Oduduwa Polytechnic at 213, Egbeda-Idimu Road in Alimosho Local Government, Lagos, reported being unable to log into the system despite repeated attempts, while others said their computers froze midway through the test.
Several other candidates stated that their allotted time continued to run despite the technical difficulties, preventing them from completing their exams.
At some centres, candidates staged protests and demanded immediate intervention from JAMB officials.
Eyewitnesses said groups of students gathered outside examination halls, expressing dissatisfaction and calling for affected tests to be rescheduled.
“We prepared for months for this exam, only to be faced with technical problems that we have no control over,” one candidate said.
“It is not fair that our future is being jeopardised because of system failures,” another lamented.
Parents and guardians also raised concerns on social media, calling on the board to address the issues and ensure that no candidate is unfairly penalised due to no fault of theirs.
Officials at some centres attempted to calm the situation by assuring candidates that the issues would be resolved, but delays in resolving the problems heightened tensions in certain locations.
Some candidates said they were asked to wait for extended periods while officials attempted to fix the systems.
In a few cases, examinations were temporarily suspended, while others were asked to return at a later time, creating uncertainty over their chances of securing admission.
Glitches Were Minimal – Oloyede
Meanwhile, JKNewsMedia.com reports that the JAMB Registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, said the examination process recorded minimal hitches.
He gave the update during an inspection visit to the University of Ibadan (UI) CBT centre as part of routine monitoring in Oyo State.
He said the exercise was largely successful, noting that only a few centres experienced challenges related to power supply and minor technical faults.
“Out of about 980 centres nationwide, we have recorded issues in only about 16 centres,” Oloyede said.
He added that the board had conducted examinations for over 1.7 million candidates successfully in three days and described the process as “superb,” commending Vice-Chancellors, Rectors and other academic officials serving as proctors.
On security concerns, including reports of kidnapping, Oloyede urged caution. “It is unfortunate that people were kidnapped but linking them directly to JAMB without evidence complicates security efforts. The focus should be on ensuring their safe return,” he said.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that he clarified that examinations do not start at 6:30am but candidates are required to arrive early for accreditation, noting that the board adjusted the schedule from 8.00am to 8:30am, following feedback.
Oloyede also warned candidates and parents against engaging with fraudsters offering exam runs or score manipulation, stating that suspects were already facing prosecution.
“We have our own mechanisms to detect such fraud. Those who attempt shortcuts will be identified and sanctioned,” he said.
He urged the public to report fraudulent platforms and assured that the board would continue efforts to ensure credible examination processes.
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