UTME: We don’t select examination towns for candidates – JAMB

UTME: We don’t select examination towns for candidates – JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has denied claims that it assigns examination towns for candidates taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or the Optional Mock Examination.

In a statement issued on Sunday, JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin clarified that 90% of available slots for the optional mock exam have already been filled, with only a few states still having open spaces.

Unusual Candidate Preferences Noted

According to Benjamin, the Board has observed an unusual pattern in candidates’ selection of examination towns, seemingly driven by a desire to participate in the optional mock exam.

He cautioned candidates against haphazardly selecting examination towns, only to later complain about being assigned to distant locations from their homes, towns, or states.

Purpose of the Mock Exam

Benjamin emphasized that the mock examination is intended only for candidates who genuinely wish to experience the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment and for JAMB to assess its examination facilities. He stressed that the Board does not want to be burdened with logistical complaints due to poor candidate choices.

Advice for Candidates

JAMB urged candidates to carefully select their examination towns while considering travel logistics and convenience to ensure a smoother examination experience.

Benjamin stated that the only states with remaining slots for the mock examination are:

  • Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe.
    Candidates interested in taking the mock exam should select their examination towns from these states.

JAMB’s Stand on Examination Town Selection

While candidates have the right to choose their preferred examination towns, JAMB advised them to consider the consequences of their choices, as some may end up in locations far from their home states.

“The Board should not be blamed for candidates selecting distant towns,” Benjamin stated, explaining that mock exam slots are allocated based on available centers, and once a town reaches capacity, it is no longer selectable.