JAMB Emerges as World’s Largest ICT User for Exams – Oloyede Declares

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has declared JAMB as the largest user of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for conducting examinations globally. This assertion was made during the 2024 International Week and the 17th Annual Research Conference organized by the University of Lagos (UNILAG), held on Tuesday.

The event, which took place at UNILAG's Akoka campus in collaboration with foreign universities, saw Prof. Oloyede participating as a panelist alongside the Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Chris Maiyaki, and the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Mr. Sonny Echono, represented by the ICT Director, Mr. Joseph Odoh. Also on the panel were the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, and other distinguished guests.

Prof. Oloyede highlighted that no other examination body in the world, including those in the United States and the United Kingdom, has been able to register and conduct exams online for nearly two million candidates simultaneously. “Only JAMB has this record, and it has achieved this milestone successfully for many years,” he stated, emphasizing the organization's ability to communicate effectively with candidates online.

Oloyede further noted that JAMB has taken steps to accommodate candidates with special needs, including those who are visually impaired or albinos, making its entrance examination inclusive, credible, equitable, and cost-effective.

However, he pointed out that while technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), is gaining wide acceptance, it remains dependent on people with natural intelligence for its relevance. He added that inclusive digital transformation remains a critical goal for higher education globally.

Dr. Chris Maiyaki, the Acting Executive Secretary of NUC, echoed the importance of the fast-evolving digital age and its impact on higher education. He expressed concerns about Nigeria's journey toward inclusive digital transformation, noting that the transformation should aim to reimagine education and create systems that leave no one behind.

He lauded UNILAG for setting a benchmark for other Nigerian universities by placing itself on the global map, a move that aligns with NUC's vision of positioning universities as dynamic centers of innovation and knowledge dissemination.

Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, explained that the International Week aims to build the capacity of faculty members and foster global collaborations in the digital world. According to her, the initiative, now in its fourth edition, has impacted up to 500 students across two departments, enhancing their employability, skills development, and urbanization.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Ambassador of Spain to Nigeria, Juan Ignacio Sell, commended UNILAG for the successful conference, which he said demonstrates Spain's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Nigeria and the institution. He disclosed that plans are underway for UNILAG to start offering Spanish language courses and empower women, especially in the sciences.

Prof. Leila Mathieu, the First Secretary of the European Union Commission in Nigeria, reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting African universities through grants, peer-reviewed research, and scholarships aimed at improving their innovation ecosystems.

Other dignitaries at the event included Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mr. Sule Tolani; Consul-General of South Africa in Lagos, Prof. Bobby Moroe; US Consul-General in Lagos, Will Stevens; Vice-Chancellor of Trinity University, Lagos, Prof. Clement Kolawole; and representatives from international institutions such as the University of Warwick, England, and LUT University, Finland.

The 2024 International Week marks a significant platform for UNILAG to foster global partnerships and advance the frontiers of education in a rapidly digitizing world.