The 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates will likely be allowed to take their admission exams with mobile phones.
This follows a consideration by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) of new policy that will require candidates who want to sit for the 2023 UTME to use mobile phones and other personal devices to participate in the exam.
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of JAMB, Prof Ishaq Oloyede disclosed the above while speaking at the 2023 Conference on Admission Policy for Nigerian Tertiary Institutions in Abuja on Saturday.
Oloyede’s proposed policy came on the mounting logistical costs involved in the rollout of UTME across the country.
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According to him, the board spent over one billion naira ( N1.2b) to equip Computer-based Testing, CBT centers in Kaduna State, specifically purchasing computers for candidates to use for the examination.
As such, candidates who wish to sit for UTME in the future may be required to bring their device to the examination venue under the “Bring Your Device” policy.
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He said:
“On the way forward, we are looking at BOYD – the direction for JAMB Students to bring their telephones. It lowers capital investment but is not helpful for digital literacy. There will be the establishment of a mobile examinational malpractice tribunal to deal with the criminal aspect while institutions handle the misconduct.
“We will be partnering with security operatives and relevant agencies on cyber crimes; engaging the machinery and sponsoring them to tap from their knowledge of candidates. Movement of some services to the registration portal to prevent extortion Open Book Examination to Discourage Cheating.
“Political will and concerted efforts at adopting a single identity for all with NIMC citizens to discourage impersonation.”
