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Tag: CBT

  • Are schools ready for full CBT in 2030?

    Are schools ready for full CBT in 2030?

    The alarm bells rang frantically last year when the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) experienced what it termed “logistical” challenges that necessitated the use of flashlights and candles in several states for its English Language examination to “preserve the integrity of the examinations”. Likewise, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) contended with a “glitch” that resulted in poor results. The former was just transitioning to partial Computer Based Test mode, while the latter had been operating the system. Thus the two scenarios, observers reckon, exposed weaknesses and a system susceptible to glitches. However, the House of Representatives ordered a suspension of the directive of the Federal Ministry of Education that WAEC and the National Examination Council (NECO) examinations will switch to full CBT mode this year. Expectedly, this was necessitated by the issues experienced by WAEC and JAMB which resulted in a massive backlash. The House, nevertheless, proposed 2030 for full switch. The question on the lips of many is: Will the country and schools be ready by then? DAMOLA KOLA-DARE examines issues that may prove to be stumbling blocks to its feasibility.

    With the “glitches” in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the “logistical” challenges experienced by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) during last year’s examinations, the hazard lights flashed frantically and it was no surprise when the House of Representatives halted the planned switch to full Computer Based Test mode billed for this year.

    The Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, had early last year, directed the West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) to go full CBT for all their examinations this year.

    According to the minister, full adoption of CBT for both objective and paper exams by May/June this year would help tame examination malpractice and enhance the quality of education.

    But upon critical review, the House of Representatives ordered a halt to the directive. It was inspired by a motion moved by Rep. Kelechi Wogu, entitled: “Need for Intervention to Avert the Pending Massive Failure of Candidates Intending to Write the 2026 WAEC Examination Using Computer-Based Testing (CBT), Capable of Causing Depression and Deaths of Students”, at the plenary.

    Wogu cited an instance when the WAEC result portal was temporarily shut down due to “technical glitches,” with candidates distraught.

    The House then mandated the ministry and state governments to make provisions in the 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 budgets for the recruitment of computer teachers, supply of standby generators, construction of computer halls with internet facilities, and the monitoring of private schools’ readiness before the switch to full CBT in 2030.

    Observers, though countenance the deployment of technology in conducting examinations, the snag is the three-year window, will power, funds to construct robust digital infrastructure, adequate training of teachers, and most importantly digital literacy among pupils.

    The National President, Association of Nursery and Primary Education Instructors in Nigeria (ANPEIN), Dr Simeon Fowowe, noted that by 2030, unless there’s substantial investment in infrastructure, schools in remote areas may still struggle to provide an effective CBT examination environment.

    He emphasised the need to consider multiple aspects such as infrastructure readiness, digital literacy, teacher training, and the availability of necessary resources to conduct exams in the CBT mode, adding that by 2030, there could be significant advancements in digital infrastructure.

    The don said while 2030 may seem like a distant future, the gap between the current state of infrastructure, digital literacy, and examination preparedness and the requirements for a successful CBT WASSCE and NECO examination is significant.

    He posited that schools would need substantial investments in infrastructure, teacher training, cyber security measures, and digital literacy programmes for both teachers and pupils.

    Fowowe said if the necessary interventions are not made now, many schools might still be unprepared for a seamless CBT examination by 2030, meaning the objective of a fail-proof transition might remain unachievable.

    National President, Early Childhood Association of Nigeria (ECAN), Prof. Babajide Abidogun affirmed that despite efforts from the Federal Government, NGOs, and private sectors, many schools  still grapple with basic access to technology. He stressed that access to reliable internet, modern computers, and uninterrupted electricity is still inconsistent across regions, which poses a serious challenge to the successful implementation of CBT at high-scale.

    He said while the postponement of the CBT mode of exams until 2030 provides a much-needed window to address the digital infrastructure challenges, by that time schools should be fully equipped with the necessary technological infrastructure, teachers digitally literate, and pupils should have equal access to the tools needed to succeed in the digital era.

    “ECAN will continue to advocate for policies that promote digital inclusion and the integration of technology into the early years of education, ensuring that our future leaders are not only academically prepared but are also equipped with the skills to navigate the increasingly digital world.

    “We are committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that by 2030, Nigeria will not only be ready for CBT examinations but will be at the forefront of digital education in Africa,” he added.

    Issues around feasibility of 2030 window

    With state governments given the mandate to make provisions in the 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 budgets for the realisation of the CBT policy, the earlier preparation starts, the better, as there are myriads of issues to address.

    Fowowe said: “Many schools in Nigeria, particularly in rural and underserved areas, still face challenges with access to reliable computers and high-speed internet. For the WASSCE and NECO exams to be successful in CBT mode, schools would need to have enough computers and consistent internet connectivity. This could be a challenge if the infrastructural gap is not bridged.

    “A school in a remote area might have a computer lab, but it only contains 10 outdated computers. This small number of devices can barely accommodate the number of students expected to take the exam, and the internet connection is intermittent.”

    Uninterrupted power supply

    “Reliable power supply remains a significant issue in many parts of Nigeria. For CBT exams, schools would need uninterrupted power to run computers for long periods, especially for large cohorts of students.

    “A school in Lagos may have the necessary computers and internet, but frequent power outages might disrupt exams. Schools would need backup power solutions like generators or solar panels, which many may not be able to afford by 2030 unless there’s significant government intervention.

    Digital literacy among pupils, teachers

    “While students are generally more tech-savvy than ever before, many still lack formal digital literacy skills required to take exams in a CBT format. Teachers also need proper training to monitor, guide, and troubleshoot during such exams.

    “Students may know how to navigate social media or play video games, but navigating an exam interface, understanding timed exams, or dealing with technical glitches could present challenges. Schools will need to train students on the specific CBT platforms used for the exams.

    “A student from a public school in Ogun State may know how to use a smartphone but has never taken an online test or filled out an answer sheet on a computer. Even by 2030, training students on how to approach CBT exams would require both time and resources,” Fowowe explained.

    Proper training of teachers

    The APEIN President also stressed the imperative of training teachers.

    He said: “Teachers must also be equipped with the skills to assist students during the CBT exams. This includes understanding the exam software, troubleshooting, and ensuring that no malpractices occur.

    “A teacher in a secondary school in Kano might be proficient in teaching but has limited knowledge of digital exam platforms. Without proper training, they may struggle to manage the logistics of a CBT exam, which could delay or disrupt the entire process.”

    Cyber security and system stability

    Fowowe also noted that cyber security is a major concern for any online or digital system. He said the integrity of the WASSCE and NECO exams depends on the ability to prevent cheating, hacking, or system failure during the exams.

    “Ensuring that all student records are securely stored and that their responses cannot be altered or compromised is critical for the success of a CBT-based exam.

    “In 2026, an attempt to implement CBT exams could be thwarted by cyber-attacks, with hackers targeting exam papers or attempting to change student results. By 2030, adequate protection measures must be in place, including firewalls, encryption, and continuous monitoring, which may require substantial investment in cyber security.

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    “If the exam platform crashes during the exam, it could undermine the credibility of the exam process. There must be a fail-safe mechanism that ensures no data is lost and that exams can be resumed without unfair consequences.

    “In 2023, Nigeria experienced a massive internet failure during a nationwide exam, forcing many candidates to reschedule. This scenario could occur during CBT exams, and schools may need to invest in backup systems to prevent such failures by 2030,” he said.

    Government role crucial

    Fowowe noted that the government’s role in implementing these changes cannot be understated. He highlighted adequate funding, policy formulation, and the availability of resources will be crucial to schools’ adoption of the CBT model.

    “By 2030, the government should have developed a clear roadmap for transitioning to CBT exams, including providing subsidies for infrastructure development, teacher training, and cyber security investments.

    “A partnership between the Federal Government and private tech companies might be necessary to equip schools with the necessary technology and ensure the reliability of exam platforms. If such investments are not made on time, the transition to CBT could be slow, leaving many schools unprepared,” he said.

     Equitable access for all pupils imperative

    Abidogun stressed that equity must be at the core of any strategy aimed at implementing CBT examinations nationwide.

    “One of the pressing concerns is the digital divide that exists not only between urban and rural schools but also between different socio-economic classes. The introduction of CBT exams should not inadvertently create additional barriers for students who lack access to digital devices or internet services at home. Special considerations must be made to provide equal opportunities for all students, including the provision of public digital resource centres where students can access the required facilities.

    “The government, in collaboration with educational stakeholders, must invest in programmes that bridge this gap.

    This may include providing free or affordable access to digital devices for students in disadvantaged areas, as well as increasing the availability of internet access in remote regions,” he said.

    Multi-sectoral approach way to go

    The ECAN Chief said: “The implementation of CBT for national exams is not just an educational issue; it requires a multi-sectoral approach. The Ministries of Education, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) must collaborate closely to ensure that both the infrastructure and the skills needed for successful CBT exams are available. There is also a need for policies that prioritise digital literacy from an early age, creating a seamless pathway from early childhood education to higher education.”

    NAPTAN weighs in

    President National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, in a terse message, said: “I think the schools will only be ready for the CBT mode of exams in the year 2030 if the digital infrastructure and facilities, qualified teachers, electricity or solar are made available to prepare students in all post-basic classes by the government at all levels, for a foolproof WASSCE and NECO exams.”

  • Where’s the list?

    Where’s the list?

    Five days after the promised publication date, Nigeria finds itself in a familiar yet troubling position. Thousands of candidates who sat for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) for positions within the Civil Defense, Correctional and Immigration Services Board remain in anxious limbo, their futures suspended in haughty bureaucratic silence. The board’s deafening muteness on the matter has sparked legitimate questions about what transpires behind closed doors when employment opportunities meet political influence in Africa’s most populous nation.

    What could possibly justify this delay? Is it mere administrative incompetence, the familiar Nigerian affliction of “go-slow” that has become our unofficial national anthem? Or are we witnessing something more sinister—a carefully orchestrated mop-up exercise where the children of the high and mighty are being slotted into positions supposedly earned through merit by ordinary Nigerians who lack the brass, connections, or godfather necessary to secure their rightful places?

    These questions naturally demand answers and in saner climes, heads would roll as apologies would flow but this is Nigeria! This pattern is distressingly familiar. Nigerian recruitment exercises have historically been fertile grounds for corruption, nepotism, and the subversion of meritocracy. The 2015 Central Bank of Nigeria recruitment stands as a monument to opacity in public service employment. That exercise was shrouded in such impenetrable secrecy that even Lavrenty Beria, Stalin’s ruthless spy chief who perfected the art of clandestine operations, would have nodded in grim appreciation. To this day, Nigerians cannot access comprehensive information about how candidates were selected, what criteria were employed, or whether merit genuinely triumphed over connection.

    Then we have the documented case of a serving minister who brazenly cornered employment slots for members of his community, with his own family members prominently featuring among the beneficiaries. This wasn’t whispered rumor or unfounded allegation—it was a scandal that played out in public view, yet consequences remained conspicuously absent. Such impunity sends a clear message: the rules exist for the powerless, while the powerful operate in a consequence-free zone.

    Even within the current recruitment exercise, troubling inconsistencies have emerged. Candidates who wrote the CBT examination on the first day reported seeing their scores immediately after completing the test—a transparent practice that should be standard procedure. However, by the second day, this feature had mysteriously disappeared. Candidates completing identical tests under identical conditions were suddenly denied immediate access to their results. The reason for this abrupt change? Your guess is as good as mine. But in a country where trust in public institutions hangs by a thread, such unexplained alterations inevitably feed suspicions of manipulation.

    Let us be clear: the elite have every right to see their children and wards employed in the nation’s public service. They are citizens too, and their offspring should not be automatically excluded from opportunities. However, as Napoleon Bonaparte wisely observed, such employment must be done “without the distinction of birth or fortune.” Merit must be the sovereign criterion. Competence, not connection, should determine who serves the public.

    When we consistently second only the candidates of the rich and powerful, we construct a nation where merit becomes a quaint abstraction, sacrificed on the altar of “who knows who.” We entrench a toxic value system where hard work is jettisoned for political alignment, where brilliance loses to belonging, where diligence is defeated by dynasty. This is not merely unfair—it is fundamentally destructive to national development.

    Consider the bitter irony: most of the powerful men now allegedly foisting their wards into these positions were not born with silver spoons. They clawed their way to prominence through determination, intelligence, and yes, often through systems that rewarded merit alongside connection. Had the system been as comprehensively skewed in their youth as it appears today, would these men have reached the zenith of their careers? Would they occupy the positions of influence they now leverage on behalf of their children, wards and even mistresses? The answer is almost certainly no. They are beneficiaries of whatever meritocratic elements existed in their time, yet they now actively undermine those same pathways for others.

    This represents not just hypocrisy but a fundamental betrayal of the social contract. It perpetuates inequality across generations, transforming temporary advantage into permanent privilege. It tells brilliant but connected Nigerian youth that their excellence matters less than their surnames, that their preparation pales beside their parents’ positions.

    The solution requires both immediate action and long-term reform. First, the authorities must release the recruitment list immediately, as originally promised. Transparency cannot be optional in public service employment. Second, the current administration must seriously consider introducing artificial intelligence technologies into the recruitment process for public servants. AI-driven systems, properly designed and monitored, can dramatically reduce human manipulation, eliminate bias, and ensure that merit genuinely determines outcomes.

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    A nation’s public service remains the pride of any nation—or should be. We cannot continue wondering why Nigeria remains mired in underdevelopment despite our abundant human and natural resources when we employ “tiwa tiwa” (my own), “nkeanyi” (our own), and “na we we” (it’s us) as primary criteria for public service employment. These ethnic and familial loyalties, elevated above competence can only guarantee mediocrity in governance and perpetuate the very dysfunctions we claim to deplore.

    The candidates waiting for this list represent Nigeria’s potential. Many have prepared for months, sacrificed limited resources for examination fees, traveled distances for the tests, and placed their hopes in a system that promises fairness. They deserve better than silence. They deserve better than suspicion. They deserve a transparent process where their efforts matter more than their lack of powerful connections.

    The ball sits firmly in the board’s court. Publish the list. Restore faith. Prove that merit can still triumph in Nigeria. The alternative—continued silence and eventual publication of a suspiciously amended list—will only confirm our worst fears about who truly governs this nation: not the elected, but the connected; not the qualified, but the well-placed.

    Nigeria deserves better. Our youth deserve better. Merit deserves its day.

  • Nigerians condemn burning of JAMB mega CBT centre in Mbano

    Nigerians condemn burning of JAMB mega CBT centre in Mbano

    Condemnation has trailed the burning of the newly commissioned complex of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Mbano, Imo State.

    The complex houses a mega Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre built by the Board.

    It was gathered that the centre was broken into and reduced to ashes by an unidentified group.

    It was gathered that the unfortunate incident has been promptly reported to the relevant security agencies.

    “Such an act is profoundly disheartening, and there can be no justification for this regressive action, even in the light of rumors suggesting that the adjacent building owned by the National Open University was intended for the training of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

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    “The CBT centre was recently equipped with 275 high-capacity computers, with plans for a second hall to accommodate an additional 275 computers, enabling 500 candidates to sit for the Board’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) simultaneously.

    “This initiative was designed to alleviate the challenges faced by candidates in the town and its surrounding areas.

    “In its unwavering commitment to expand educational infrastructure nationwide for the annual CBT examinations, the Board identified Mbano as a crucial location for such a mega centre, alongside similar initiatives in other regions. This distressing incident starkly contrasts with our aspirations to enhance educational opportunities for aspiring candidates,” an official who didn’t want to be named because he wasn’t authorised to speak on the incident said.

  • Foundation exposes students to CBT techniques

    Foundation exposes students to CBT techniques

    The Total Nucleus Foundation has trained students in the mastery of Computer Based Test (CBT) and other information technology concerns. The students graduated on Tuesday.

    The trainees got gift items and certificates, with the best three getting cash gifts.

    Patron of the Foundation Senator Gbenga Ashafa described the training as a way to prepare pupils ahead of the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) so they can have a basic knowledge of how CBT operates.

    Ashafa said he decided to invest in the initiative because it is helpful in building the confidence of the trainees.

    He said: “CBT is basic understanding of technology. Every child is supposed to have knowledge of how to communicate, and the language of today is technology. There is hardly any child that can’t operate a telephone today, and so this kind of training gives them confidence. It also shows that the future is bright in terms of global communication.

    “I invested in this group to ensure that children from seven years upwards are prepared ahead of their terminal examinations in preparation for the higher institution.

    “This training gives them confidence because they are already familiar with the language of technology. That is why I am urging them to explore and learn more. What they have gotten here is the basics; you can’t know enough about technology because it evolves every day.

    “We will also be expanding this initiative, even beyond Lagos East. I have to acknowledge Senator Tokunbo Abiru for his efforts with the SAIL Lab. He is doing so much and we have to also support him so that everybody will have a bit of inclusiveness, just as President Bola Tinubu has said that technology should be inculcated in the school curriculum. We will continue to do our best to prepare our young ones for a great future.”

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    President of the Foundation Lukman Owolabi said the training is part of the foundation’s education programmes.

    “When we heard that WAEC and JAMB will be deploying CBT for their examinations, we thought it would be helpful to prepare the children ahead. Most of them don’t quite understand how CBT operates, so we are glad to invest in them and give them a heads up about what to expect in the examination.

    “The training is for secondary school pupils in the junior and senior classes. We wanted to give them a head start so by the time they are in the exam hall, nothing will look strange to them. And it is good they are appreciative of this initiative, which will also spur us to do more.”

    The Total Nucleus Foundation has four cardinal objectives which centres on Health, Environment, Education and Information Gathering.

  • Delta introduces CBT

    The Delta State Government has said the conduct of examination for pupils seeking admission into secondary school in the state will be computer based.

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, who spoke at the introduction of CBT Application for secondary school in Asaba, reiterated his commitment to ensuring qualitative education in the with more emphasis on the education sub-sector.

    He admitted that more computer laboratories were needed in secondary schools, adding that the government will address the lapse.

    Okowa, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tam Birisibe, urged students to be computer literate, saying they would otherwise be disadvantaged, especially in the modern era.

    Education Commissioner, Mr. Chiedu Ebie, said the Okowa administration has “demonstrated devotion in enhancing education standard  in the state, especially in the widespread provision of conducive infrastructural development.

    His words: “This occasion is unique as information Communication Technology (ICT) remains the hub of development in all sectors of human endeavour. Our students and indeed, the school system, must as a matter of urgency, key into global practice for optimal output.’’

    He urged parents to take advantage of the novelty and ensure that students avail themselves of the application to excel in their academic sojourn.

     

  • Education minister inspects CBT centres ahead 2018 UTME

    Education minister inspects CBT centres ahead 2018 UTME

    The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu has begun the inspection of Computer Based Test (CBT) centres to ascertain its readiness for the 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    Adamu, while inspecting the Digital Bridge and the Global Distance Learning centres in Abuja on Friday, told newsmen that he was satisfied with the level of preparedness of the centres.

    He called on students to get acquainted with the operations regarding computer usage as this would help them in the examinations.

    According to him, there will be no need for guide during the examination if students are computer literate and this would hasten the speed of examinations.

    “ We are very happy. I have just been to two centres today and I am just very happy with what I am seeing.

    “ I am satisfied just as the students are satisfied. But my message to the students is that they should come and use the facilities here and I hope they are computer literate.

    “ If they are, they probably do not need the help of the people they will find there,’’ he said.

    Similarly, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said he was glad the minister was out to monitor the level of readiness of some of the centres ahead of the examinations.

    Oloyede said that the board was complying on the instruction of the ministry to get the centres ready for the examinations.

    “ The magic behind this is that the minister has given us a mandate and asked us to do the job and we are doing it the way he wanted.’’

    Our reporter reports that JAMB has announced that the 2018 UTME will take place in March.

    However, the registrar during a meeting with stakeholders recently in Abuja announced that the examination would be preceded with mock examination.

    JAMB, however, had extended registration till midnight, Tuesday, Feb. 6 to enable candidates have ample time to register.

     

  • JAMB to partner Ministry on CBT examination abroad

    JAMB to partner Ministry on CBT examination abroad

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Sunday, said it would partner with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to conduct public examination through Computer Based Test (CBT) for Nigerians abroad.

    JAMB’s Head of Public Relations, Dr Fabian Benjamin, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

    Benjamin said that the collaboration was to enhance the conduct of Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for foreign candidates in 2018.

    He said 2017 UTME was conducted for foreign candidates on Sept. 30 in Gambia, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Ghana, Cote D’ Voir, Benin Republic, Ethiopia, South Africa and Cameroun.

    According to him, although the conduct of the examination was not justifiable, in terms of monetary value, there is need for JAMB to collaborate, to promote growth in the education sector.

    “We are already promoting CBT in line with international best practices; we have taken it to some countries in Africa, we need to do more to encourage the practice.

    “We have even gone ahead to see how we can put some countries on the global map by conducting our public examination there through CBT.

    “What we want to do is to partner with the Ministry to be able to key into the global technology revolution as part of our foreign policy.

    “We must be able to maximise profit, especially from West African countries that we are offering assistance, through scholarship, to school in Nigeria.

    “We cannot achieve much by looking at things from naira and kobo, but through diplomatic relations there will be adequate room to gain through conduct of examination abroad,” he said.

    The head of public relations explained that foreign candidates sat for examination in one session based on local time of their various countries, adding that the questions were deployed from the Board’s headquarters.

    He decried message on the social media that the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, had directed the refund of post UTME fee, describing the information as false and could create confusion in the public domain.

    Benjamin urged the public to disregard the information, saying that institutions that had charged more than N2, 000 would be asked to make refund of the excess.

    He described as unfortunate a situation where some institutions could not adhere to the minister’ directive about the payment of post-UTME.

  • ASUU hails JAMB for blacklisting CBT centres

    ASUU hails JAMB for blacklisting CBT centres

    The Academic Staff   Union of Universities (ASUU) has commended the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for blacklisting 48 Computer Based Test (CBT)   centres used for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The President of the union, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi, said in Lagos on Thursday that owners of the blacklisted centres should also be prosecuted.

    The 48 CBT centres were among more than 600 centres used for the conduct of the UTME held nationwide in May.

    JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, had on Wednesday announced the blacklisting of the centres for alleged involvement in extortion and “organised examination malpractice” during the UTME.

    Oloyede said the decision was taken at the end of an enlarged meeting with external examiners and other stakeholders in the conduct of the examination.

    He also announced the cancellation of results of 50,000 candidates for alleged involvement in malpractice during the examination.

    The ASUU boss said the development was a step in the right direction, describing it as “the way to go.’’

    “What JAMB has done in that respect is a welcome development and a good decision.

    “I will not expect it to stop at just blacklisting of such centres.

    “The leadership of the board should go a step forward by prosecuting owners of the affected centres in order to serve as a deterrent to others.

    “This measure will further ensure that the integrity of the examination cannot be undermined,’’ Ogunyemi said.

    NAN

     

  • UTME: JAMB vows to deal with erring CBT operators

    UTME: JAMB vows to deal with erring CBT operators

    The Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, yesterday said the organization would sanction any operator of computer-based centres (CBT) who would want to sabotage this year’s unified matriculation examination.

    About 1.7 million candidates are expected to sit for the examination next Saturday.

    Prof. Oloyede, during the final briefing on the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination for computer-based test centres proprietors in Abuja yesterday, said any CBT operator caught sabotaging the examination would be severely dealt with.

    He said: “The truth is that we are going to sanction some of them who misbehave and we mean it. We need to at least caution them. I will not go into some of those things I mentioned to them. You need to send some correct signal to some people.

    ”We have put some things in place to reduce malpractices and we have also sent the correct signal to the people that whoever is caught will be severely dealt with”.

    Prof. Oloyede said 635 CBT centres would be used for the conduct of the examination nationwide.

    He appealed to the centre owners to ensure the smooth conduct of the examinations in the various centres.

    ”My colleagues, CBT centre owners, we want to appeal to you; let your centres to be put in proper shape for our examination. The mock examination has revealed a lot about the atrocities of many of the CBT centre owners ranging from LAN to inadequate facilities.

    ”I want to appeal to you to please talk to your colleagues so that we do not handle this very important national assignment in a way that will show that we are not patriotic. I think the nation requires of us the best we can give in these CBT centres,” he said.

    He also said the agency had tackled the issue of multiple registrations which some candidates were involved in.

    ”One major problem is multiple registrations and that we have tried to tackle it. Even the issue of carrying jottings into the examination halls will be reduced, if the examination body is careful enough.

    ”We have tried our best to put in place things that will make cheating in the examination not attractive. Whoever is caught doing what he or she is not expected to do will be dealt with,” he added.

  • CBT, Sterling Bank partner on JAMB registration

    CBT, Sterling Bank partner on JAMB registration

    Computer –Based Test Centre Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (CPAN), an association of Computer Based Test owners in Nigeria, announced its partnership with Sterling Bank Plc, for the seamless registration of students ahead of 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The appointment of the bank is based on its laudable contributions towards the development of the education sector in Nigeria and the impact on the major stakeholders across the value chain.

    The association’s Chairman, Sage Udebuami who disclosed the appointment of that bank at a press conference in Abuja, said the decision of the association to partner with Sterling Bank was also based on its capacity, commitment and provision of infrastructure needed for the consistent growth of the sector, especially in the last three years.

    His words: “It is a known fact that we have our challenges. To help checkmate these challenges, we have decided to look in the direction of Sterling Bank. We are confident that with its robust IT platform that suits the new model recently introduced by JAMB for adoption by our members, seamless process for the registration of students sitting for JAMB next year is guaranteed”.