The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has taken a significant step towards preventing extortion and enhancing service delivery by fully automating its services. This move aims to reduce physical contact with candidates, most of whom are underage.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, emphasized the importance of limiting physical contact to address issues of exploitation and extortion.
“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.”
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To achieve this, JAMB will shift interactions with candidates online, with calls recorded for effective monitoring and quality control. This will help track and address any potential issues promptly.
JAMB has deployed a team to investigate reports of unwholesome practices, including extortion and exploitation. Candidates who have experienced or witnessed such incidents are urged to provide credible evidence.
Prof. Oloyede commended JAMB staff for their honesty and diligence, stating that over 99% of staff are trustworthy. However, he emphasized that any staff found culpable of extortion or exploitation would face severe consequences.
The move comes after several reported cases of unsolicited and inappropriate text messages sent to candidates, including minors. In March, a businesswoman, Mrs. Ifeanyi Eke, filed an N100m suit against JAMB and three others before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
In January, JAMB announced the arrest of some registration officers of a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre in connection with a social media outburst by a mother who alleged that her 15-year-old daughter was being approached by a staff of the supposed center via a chat on the X platform.
The automation of JAMB’s services is expected to:
- Reduce physical contact and potential exploitation
- Enhance transparency and accountability
- Improve service delivery and candidate experience
- Increase efficiency and reduce processing time
Prof. Oloyede reassured candidates and stakeholders of JAMB’s commitment to transparency and fairness.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that our processes are transparent, efficient, and candidate-centered.”
