JAMB Expresses Concern Over Low Turnout as 2024 Direct Entry Registration Nears End

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has voiced concerns regarding the low turnout of candidates as the registration period for the 2024 Direct Entry (DE) draws to a close. Despite efforts to facilitate registration through additional registration points in Lagos, Kwara, Oyo, and Osun States, the expected surge in registrations has not materialized.

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In a statement released on Tuesday by Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the spokesperson of JAMB, the Board expressed worry over the under-utilization of registration centers, particularly in Lagos, despite the provision of extra facilities to accommodate potential candidates.

The statement emphasized JAMB's commitment to ensuring that all eligible candidates have the opportunity to register for the Direct Entry exercise. However, the turnout at designated registration centers has fallen short of expectations, with some centers reporting minimal participation.

Dr. Fabian Benjamin highlighted the discrepancy between the installed capacity of the additional registration centers and the actual turnout of candidates. He stated, "Findings from the field indicate that the expansion of registration centers was needless as the turnout in JKK Lagos, JAMB PRC, Ikoyi, and Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos, is low, which is indicative of the fact that almost all prospective DE candidates had successfully registered."

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The statement further revealed that some of the designated registration centers recorded less than ten candidates presenting themselves for registration, despite having the capacity to accommodate over 100 candidates per day.

The low turnout observed in several registration centers raises concerns about the effectiveness of outreach efforts and the level of awareness among potential Direct Entry candidates.