JAMB’s computer-based test

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has concluded its first solely Computer-Based Test (CBT) for all candidates seeking admission into the nation’s tertiary institutions. The admission tests, which had traditionally been done using the pencil and paper method before the CBT was introduced as an option a few years ago, are from this year wholly computer-based.

The examination, which commenced last week in 400 centres across Nigeria and seven other countries, has elicited sundry reactions from candidates and other stakeholders. While some candidates applauded the conduct of the computer-based test and the swiftness in releasing the results, others have highlighted its many lapses.

Notable among the CBT’s shortcomings are the server and power failures experienced in some centres, as well as non-availability of other sources of power supply. There were also cases of outright change of examination dates without notification to the affected candidates. However, observable merits of the new testing technique include the elimination of impersonation, special centres and cheating. The method also ensured the release of results few hours after the examination.

Irrespective of the noted lapses, the new testing technique is a great improvement on previous ones. The ease with which the examination held in many centres and the timely communication of candidates’ scores are, indeed, commendable. What these indicate is that the CBT method, when perfected, will put an end to many of the problems associated with the conduct of the entrance examination into the nation’s universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The authorities of JAMB deserve accolades for the embracement of the new test technology that has addressed the problem of cheating in the examination. Hopefully, the new examination technique has come to stay and candidates must endeavour to embrace it. No effort should, therefore, be spared in perfecting the system. JAMB should address all the shortcomings with a view to having a much better outing next year.

What is paramount now is for the examination body to fine-tune its operations and remedy all the anomalies. We believe that with time, the organisation will overcome its teething problems and improve its conduct of the test.

This year’s wholly computer-based UTME test has proved a good starting point for JAMB. It is also a significant achievement that is already eliciting questions on the continuing relevance of the Post- UTME examinations conducted by some universities.

We do not subscribe to the view that the new CBT should immediately eliminate the Post-UTME as is being suggested in some quarters. Rather, the post-UTME should continue to be conducted by the affected universities until the computer-based test is perfected. When this is done, we can do away with the post- UTME examination which has been turned into a revenue-generating mechanism in some universities. This is more so as some universities have abused the processes and the reasons for holding the post-UTME in the first place.

We also advise JAMB to look into the grievances of those who had genuine problems with the conduct of the examinations in their centres. Since some of the candidates that sat for the CBT may never have seen or operated computers before, we call on the government to embark on rapid development of Information, Communication Technology (ICT) in every nook and cranny of the country so that no student will be disadvantaged in the new testing technique. Computer studies should be taught in all primary and post-primary schools.

We are in an age where good knowledge of computer operations has become imperative. The federal and state governments should work in concert to equip all secondary schools with computers. If we truly want to be among the best 20 economies in the world by the year 2020 as promised by the government, then our education system must be technology-driven. One basic tool that cannot be dispensed with in this search for new frontiers of knowledge is the computer, hence the need to properly groom our students on the use and socio-economic benefits of the critical knowledge tool.