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Tag: Fabian Benjamin

  • Why we reduced UTME fee, by JAMB

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Wednesday said it reduced its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Board Examination (UTME) registration fees because it wanted to alleviate the burden of the cost of the examination on parents.
     
    The board has reduced its registration fee for the 2019 from N5, 000 to N3, 500.
     
    JAMB’s Head of Media, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, in a statement in Abuja, the nation’s capital on Wednesday, said the reduction has been approved by President Muhammadu Buhari.
     
    The statement said Mr. Buhari was concerned about the burden of the registration fees on the plight of ordinary Nigerians. 
     
    The statement reads: “In Mr. President’s determination to alleviate poverty and ensure that every Nigerian desirous of tertiary education is not deprived, government had introduced policies and incentive to boost the economy of ordinary Nigerians and has seen this reduction as a platform to bring more Nigerians on the tertiary education template.
     
    “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board had in less than two years shown commitment to the avowed direction of the President Buhari-led administration by returning over 15 billion.

    Read Also: JAMB offers 200,000 varsity admissions

     
    “Government had deliberated extensively on how to ensure that every Nigerian benefitted from the prudent management of resources in JAMB and came up with the fee reduction.
     
    “The Board has been charged to sustain its known inclusiveness, transparency, accountability and the enviable position it is occupying amongst global examination bodies.”

  • JAMB remits N7.8bn as examination surplus

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it has remitted another N7.8 billion to the Federal Government.

    The board’s Head, Media and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

    According to him, the board has planned to remit the amount as surplus to the Federal Government as was done in 2017.

    Benjamin said that the amount was the surplus generated from the conduct of the board’s 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    “However, government in its magnanimity, graciously directed that we remit about N5.6 billion and use the balance for restructuring of the board’s headquarters to meet up with its international status.

    “We, therefore, want to appreciate the governing board of JAMB led by Dr Emmanuel Ndukwe for the tremendous support in ensuring that the current administration’s vision of transparency and accountability as fully embraced by JAMB is sustained.

    “The Ndukwe-led board had, within its short period of inauguration, contributed immensely in some ground breaking innovations.

    “One of such innovations is the quick remittance of the 2018 surplus. Whatever candidates pay for JAMB’s examination is a trust and must be accounted for.

    “The board, though not a revenue generating agency, will continue to be judicious with resources at its disposal,” he said.

    Benjamin said that cumulatively and technically, the board had remitted a total of N15.6 billion in less than two years.

    “The board is thinking of how to ensure that candidates benefitted from the surplus.

    “We are currently looking at a number of ways to enhance the conduct of the examination where candidates will benefit by way of conducive environment in writing the examination.

    “We are also looking at putting more mechanism in place that will ensure absolute equity and fairness in the selection of candidates through enhanced technology as currently being done by the Central Admission Process Selection (CAPS),” he said.

    Benjamin said that the board was set to acquire cutting edge technology to give candidates the best registration procedure, examination and a more improved selection process.

    He said the development was similar to the one that was currently being developed by the CAPS initiative.

    Benjamin lauded the efforts of members of staff of the board, as well as other key stakeholders, for their doggedness, commitment and support in ensuring that integrity of the board and its examination was sustained.

  • Police recruitment: JAMB debunks rumour of Arabic questions

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has dispelled rumours that candidates shortlisted for the ongoing Nigeria Police recruitment were asked some Arabic questions.

    There has been outrage on social media following allegations that over 20 of the questions set for the candidates was to test their knowledge of Arabic Language, as many accused the government of nursing an Islamic State agenda.

    But spokesman for JAMB, Dr. Fabian Benjamin described the rumour as misleading, malicious and wicked.

    Benjamin said: “The board still finds it hard to believe some speculations trailing the police recruitment examination  that candidates were also examined in Arabic, alongside  other subjects.

    “Such rumours are not only misleading, but also malicious and wicked. Let me state clearly that the candidates were examined only in English Language.

    Read Also: JAMB makes N18b in two years, says registrar

    “The instructions were clearly stated and announcements were made several times to the effect that candidates were to answer only English Language.

    “We generally examined candidates using modules that are already configured in the computer for four subjects and the police examination was for only one subject to be written within 45 minutes.

    “In doing this, we had to add three other dummy subjects picked from our dummy one, which has basically “A” subjects of Arts, Arabic and Agriculture and we then added English Language, which is the subject of assessment. “Instructions were clearly written and also announced that candidates should answer only English language. Mind you, the examination is for 45 minutes. It would not be possible to examine candidates in four subjects for 45 minutes.

    “It was not possible to upload only English Language as our software is designed to take four subjects hence the need to put the other subjects as dummies to enable the software upload the English Language questions.

    “The Board had at none of the conduct of its examination, imposed subjects on candidates not even at the UTME. Police gave us clear instructions that their candidates are to be examined in English Language only and we worked strictly with that.

    “As a board, we are also mindful or sensitive to issues of religion and so could not have instructed candidates to answer Arabic questions as a subject.

    “Again, there were 60 questions to be answered in 45 minutes and there is no way candidates could have been able to answer questions in all four subjects in 45 minutes.”

  • UTME 2018: JAMB gives update on removal of results from site

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board ( JAMB ) has said that the 2018 Unified Tertiary University Examinations ( UTME ) candidates who could no longer access their results might have had their results withheld.

    The Board’s Head of Media, Dr Fabian Benjamin disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent on Monday in Abuja.

    Some candidates have earlier, cried foul following the removal of their released UTME results from the website of the Board, after initially accessing it.

    The candidates complained that the site displayed, “You do not have any result yet” or “you did not write the examination,” after such results were earlier published.

    According to Benjamin, the board may reschedule the examinations for some whose cases are exceptional but some results may have been withheld.

    “Once you don’t see your result after a while it means it has been withheld.

    “However, there are exceptions and the board intends to reschedule the examinations for those who fall in that category but they would be contacted before then.”

    He explained that the board was still working to release other results.

    He also noted that the board would continually give an update to the general public on its latest developments as time goes on, especially if there are any changes in the system.

    Benjamin also enjoined those who intend to change their choice of institutions before the 2018/19 admissions process begins, to visit the board’s site and follow the procedure as displayed.

    He said the process has been ongoing and costs N2, 500 only and can only be processed online, just like every other process of the board.

    NAN

  • JAMB directs UTME candidates to check results online

    The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board ( JAMB ) has directed candidates who have taken the 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations ( UTME ) to visit the board’s website for their results.

    The Head of Media of the Board, Dr Fabian Benjamin, gave the directive at a news conference on Tuesday in Bwari, Abuja.

    Benjamin said that the results had been scrutinised and released on its website, www.jamb.org.ng, adding that such candidates were free to visit the Board’s website for their results.

    He also explained that the results would be released in batches to enable candidates who have already taken the examination to check them.

    Read Also: Biometrics compulsory for UTME candidates, says JAMB

    Our reporter,  reports that JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is’haq Oloyede, recently said that unlike the 2017 exercise, the Board would not release the results of the 2018 examinations immediately until after two or three days.

    This, he stated, was not because the Board was incapable of releasing them immediately but that results must undergo review and total scrutiny to avoid multiple cancellation of candidates’ results. The 2018 UTME began on Friday and is scheduled to finish on Saturday.

    NAN

  • JAMB optimistic of successful 2018 UTME

    JAMB optimistic of successful 2018 UTME

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB says it is optimistic that the conduct of its 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which begins on Friday, will be successful.

    The Head, Media and Information of the board, Dr Fabian Benjamin, expressed the optimism in an interview with our reporter on Friday in Lagos.

    1.6 million Candidates, inclusive of 367 visually impaired candidates, are participating in the examination scheduled to end on March 17.

    According to Benjamin, the board has put logistics in place to ensure the conduct of one of the best examinations in recent times.

    “If you come around to the board, you will find out that the atmosphere is relaxed.

    “We are fully ready and on top of the game, just as we expect a hitch-free conduct of the examination nationwide.

    “Today, we will start with just one session, which has been the tradition every year.

    “From tomorrow (Saturday), we shall have the full three sessions for the candidates as stated in their examination slips.

    “Our advice, therefore, is for the candidates to ensure that they adhere strictly to all the rules guiding the examination.

    “There is no shortcut to success. Our helplines are always open to candidates with issues.

    “They should feel free to talk to us rather than resort to self-help or engage the services of fraudsters, who might want to take advantage of them,’’ he said.

    An official at one of the examination centres, Dalewares Institute of Technology in Lagos, Mr David Babalola, told our reporter that the centre was prepared for the test.

    He said some candidates slated for the examination on Friday had been around the centre as early as 8.00 a.m.

    “But they will have to wait till about 1.00 p.m. when they will be allowed in for their accreditation,’’ he said.

    Babalola said the examination would start by 3.00 p.m. as directed by JAMB.

    At the WAEC International Office in Ikeja, another centre for the examination, the official in charge, Mrs Adedoyin Oladipo, told our reporter that the centre was fully prepared for the conduct of the examination.

    “We are fully ready here but the examination will be starting proper by 3.00 p.m.

    “The candidates scheduled for that time have been here early enough but we cannot start until we are told to do so,’’ she said.

     

     

  • JAMB releases mock UTME result

    JAMB releases mock UTME result

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB on Thursday released the results of the just-conducted Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The board’s Head, Media and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, disclosed this in an interview with our reporters on Thursday in Lagos.

    According to him, candidates are to check their results on line by visiting www.jamb .org.ng with their registration numbers.

    Benjamin described the conduct of the examination nationwide as hitch-free.

    A total of 245,753 candidates registered for the mock examination which took place on Monday.

    Mock UTME is optional for UTME candidates.

    The main UTME is expected to hold from March 9 to March 17.

     

    NAN

  • 2018 UTME: JAMB registers 1.65m, vows to fight corruption

    2018 UTME: JAMB registers 1.65m, vows to fight corruption

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board ( JAMB) has successfully registered 1, 650, 547 candidates for the 2018 Unified Tertuary Matriculation Examination ( UTME ).

    The board disclosed this in a statement signed by its Head of Media, Dr Fabian Benjamin, and made available to our reporter on Tuesday in Abuja.

    It can be recalled that the board commenced the 2018 UTME registration on Dec.6, 2017 and closed on Feb. 11, after extending the registration for five days.

    According to him, a total of 1,662,818 candidates paid and obtained the epins, while 1,650,547 had successfully registered for the 2018 UTME, at the close of pin vending.

    Benjamin, however, urged the public to note that “all candidates who had paid and obtained pins but could not successfully register as at the close of sale are allowed to quickly do so within 24 hours.”

    This, he said, was necessary as it would not entertain complaints afterwards from those who are unable to do so.

    The spokesman emphasised that the continuation of the registration process was for only the candidates, who had initiated registration processes, paid and procured the registration e-pins but could not register as at the close of sales.

    ” Take note that candidates are not to generate any profile code for the purpose of 2018 UTME registration as doing so would have no effect and a waste of time and resources, ” he said.

    Meanwhile, on the snake issue, the Board maintained that there was “no hiding place for any form of criminality to thrive in the running of the its activities.

    “The Board would deploy all available resources to arrest and prosecute any one found undermining the integrity of the Board, irrespective of who is involved.”

    Benjamin recalled that the Prof. Ishaq Oloyede led management had, on assumption of duty, embarked on a tour of JAMB state offices to ascertain financial stand and general operations.

    He said some of the reforms introduced by Oloyede on assumption of office in 2016, included the recommendation of an end to the use of scratch cards, replacing it with more efficient and effective modes of pin vending.

    “UTME candidates before now, purchased scratch cards from our offices nationwide and designated centres to gain access to the Board’s website for either registration or other essential services.

    “It was in the process of the routine audit and other checks of state offices account and activities that an official incharge of the Benue state office of the Board was found wanting.

    “This happened in an effort to give an accurate account of the proceeds realised from the sales of the cards.

    “We are not going to take lightly our fight against corruption no matter who is involved.

    “We are going to unravel, arrest and prosecute this alleged mysterious snake, just as we are going to bring to book, any of our officers or stakeholders who are caught in any activity not in line with the Board’s policies.

    “A number of persons have indeed been discovered to have misappropriated funds belonging to the Board and the one at hand currently is one of such numerous cases of misappropriation in the state offices.

    “We are out to carry careful scrutiny of government funds, as well as block all leakages and loopeholes, ” Benjamin said.

    He further explained that the officer in question in its Benue office and many others states, found in similar situations had diverted the fund before the assumption of office of the presnt Registrar.

    “However, the Board reiterates that the management is working assiduously to arrest and hand over to the appropriate quarters, the said “snake” that swallowed N36 million and a host of other monies in its system.

    “The Board also has deployed machineries in its bid to fight corruption, infractions, and admission malpractice, financial misappropriation in a total and comprehensive manner,” he said.

    According to him, in JAMB, we have nothing to hide, we run an open door system where the public must have an unfettered access to information, be it positive or negative, whether in the present or past.

    NAN

  • JAMB gives candidates 24hrs to complete registration

    JAMB gives candidates 24hrs to complete registration

    …..Vows to prosecute mysterious ‘snake’ that swallowed N36m

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has given 24 hours to candidates who have obtained their pins to complete their registration.

    The board gave the advice in a statement to announce the close of sales of forms for this year’s unified tertiary matriculation examination.

    According to the statement issued by its Head of Information, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, on Tuesday, in Abuja, the board noted that it would not entertain any complaints from candidates who fail to complete their registration exercise.

    He said the extension applied to candidates who had initiated registration processes and had paid and procured the registration e-pins but could not register at the closed of sales.

    The statement reads: “Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board wishes to inform the general public that the sale of 2018 UTME application is closed.

    “However, the public is urged to note that all candidates who paid and obtained pins and could not unsuccessfully register at the close of sale are allowed to quickly within 24hrs complete their registration as no complaints would be entertained afterwards

    “For purposes of emphasis, this applies to only candidates who had initiated registration processes and have paid and procured the registration e-pins but could not registered at the closed of sales.

    “Take note that candidates are not to generate any profile codes (55019) for the purpose of 2018 UTME registration as doing so would have no effect and a waste of time and resources. Profile codes generation through 55019 will only be used for Direct Entry Registration which is still ongoing.

    “The Board commenced the sale of the 2018 UTME registration on the 6th of December, 2017 and was to close on the 6th of February, 2018 but extended to 11th of February, 2018.

    “At the close of pin vending, a total of 1,662,818 candidates paid and obtained the e-pins while 1,650,547 had successfully registered for the 2018 UTME. The difference are the numbers outstanding who have not registered but are holding the e-pins and are now allowed to register within 24hrs.

    Meanwhile, the board has vowed to unravel, arrest and prosecute the alleged mysterious snake which allegedly swallowed N36 million in one of its offices in Benue state.

    The board also promised to deploy it resources to bring to book any of its officers or stakeholders who is caught in any activities not in line with its policies.

    “We are not going to take lightly our fight against corruption no matter who is involved.

    “On the snake issue, the board maintain that there is no hiding place for any form of crime to thrive in the running of the board’s activities.

    Read Also: JAMB  sells 1.6m 2018 UTME forms

    “We are going to unravel, arrest and prosecute this alleged mysterious snake, just as we are going to bring to book any of our officers or stakeholders who is caught in any activities not in line with the board’s policies.

    According to the statement, the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has discovered some of its officers who have misappropriated funds belonging to the agency in its state offices.

    Benjamin said the board would not leave any stone unturned in its effort to stamp out corruption in its activities.

    “Another of such cases uncovered by the Oloyede management led team is that of a state officer who also failed to give account of monies realized from the sales of the card but rather claimed that he was on his way to return some unsold scratch cards when he was involved in a car crash and the car was burnt with the cards.

    “He had claimed that all the cards then got burnt in the process, just as he failed to account for those sold before the ban on the use of scratch cards.

    “We are out to carry careful scrutiny of government funds, as well as block all leakages and loop holes. We will not condone or hide any act of misconduct, no matter how uncomfortable or unpleasant it may be to the board or any stakeholder.

    “We have deployed machineries that fights corruptions, infractions, and admission malpractice, financial misappropriation in a total and comprehensive manner.

    “There will be no sacred cow, be it a staff of the board or any stakeholder partnering with the board.

    “In JAMB, we have nothing to hide. We run an open door system where the public must have an unfettered access to information, be it positive or negative, whether in the present or past.

    “The fact remains that the officer in question in our Benue office and many others found in similar situations in some other states had diverted the fund before the assumption of office of the current Registrar.

    “But, be that as it may, management is working assiduously to arrest and hand over to the appropriate quarters, this “snake” that swallowed our N36 million and a host of others still in our system,” the statement added.

     

  • JAMB extends registration for 2018 UTME till Feb. 11

    JAMB extends registration for 2018 UTME till Feb. 11

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have extended the registration for 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UMTE), until Feb. 11.

    The Board disclosed this in a statement signed by its Head of Media, Dr Fabian Benjamin, and made available to the News men in Abuja, on Tuesday.

    According to him, the extension came after the Board made a “decision albeit with great hesitation to accommodate candidates who failed to register between the two months window period.’’

    He said that the decision was arrived at after the window period ended at midnight of Tuesday, February 6.

    Read Also:  JAMB extends registration by five days

    “The failure of these candidates to register is unfortunate and the Board hastens to add that this culture of impunity would not be tolerated henceforth.

    “Indeed penalty will be imposed for late registration from next session.

    “UTME candidates are therefore strongly advised to take advantage of the extension to register as request for further extension would not be entertained,” he said.

    The Board, however, noted that registration for Direct Entry (DE) candidates continues as earlier scheduled.

    NAN