The recent Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations across Nigeria on April 26, 2025, have cast a long shadow of distress over students and parents alike. The challenges, deeply rooted in the transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT), have persisted since its inception. Recall the stark contrast to the previous paper-based system, where students navigated physical centers, sometimes embarking on pre-exam journeys to unfamiliar locations. This logistical hurdle, though replaced by the digital realm, has been replaced by a new and similar set of difficulties.
The year of JAMB’s CBT adoption marked a significant technological leap, following the University of Lagos (UNILAG’s) pioneering POST-UTME CBT in 2009. However, this digital shift unveiled a new frontier of challenges. The time constraints of CBT left many students struggling to complete the exams, a stark reality further complicated by unfamiliarity with computer interfaces. The present-day JAMB exam still grapples with these issues, amplified by infrastructural shortcomings such as power outages, unreliable internet connectivity, and the logistical nightmare of students traveling great distances to reach designated centers. Many find themselves lodging in hotels or relying on distant relatives, adding further stress and expense to an already daunting process.
A radical solution is needed: a paradigm shift to remote examinations. This transformative approach would not only mitigate the costs and stress for all stakeholders, but also align with our increasingly digital world. Imagine a future where candidates can comfortably take JAMB and WAEC exams from their homes, using smartphones or laptops. A robust identity verification system would ensure exam integrity. For those lacking internet-enabled devices, accredited CBT centers would remain accessible. This dual-option system – virtual and physical – offers a solution that is both equitable and technologically sound. It’s time for the examination bodies in Nigeria – WAEC, GCE, JAMB/UTME, and Post-UTME – to embrace this innovative solution.
A brighter future for Nigerian education demands a collaborative effort.
Let’s build a better Nigeria, together!
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