JAMB to Fully Automate Services to Curb Extortion, Reduce Physical Interactions

As part of its ongoing efforts to reduce physical interactions with candidates and curb extortion, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to fully automate its services.

This initiative, according to the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, is particularly crucial due to the high number of underage candidates taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

In a bulletin released on Monday via the board's official website, Oloyede explained that the automation process would help prevent the exploitation and extortion of candidates, issues that have plagued the system in the past. The automation will include the handling of candidate challenges and inquiries through online platforms, ensuring that all calls are recorded for effective monitoring and quality control.

"Given that many of the candidates who take the UTME are underage, the board is considering limiting physical contact with those with challenges to avoid any alleged issues of extortion and other forms of exploitation," the JAMB registrar stated.

The board also revealed that it had received several reports of unwholesome practices by some officials and Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers, which led to the deployment of a team to investigate these claims. JAMB promised to make the findings public once the investigation is complete.

Prof. Oloyede called on students who have accused JAMB officials or CBT centers of extortion, especially in the name of 'regularisation' or other services, to provide credible evidence. He assured the public that any staff found culpable would face the full wrath of the law.

Despite these challenges, Oloyede praised the majority of JAMB staff for their honesty, stating, "In terms of integrity, I can vouch for over 99 percent of JAMB staff, but any bad eggs will be identified and dealt with appropriately."

The move toward full automation is expected to enhance transparency and accountability, while also providing better protection for UTME candidates.