𝗝𝗔𝗠𝗕 𝗧𝗼 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗧𝗠𝗘 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗽𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀

𝗕𝗬 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗩𝗢𝗜𝗖𝗘,

𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐭𝐚, 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is considering the introduction of a “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) system that could allow candidates to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) using their personal smartphones and other digital devices.

The proposal was disclosed by the Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, during a policy meeting on admissions held in Abuja.

According to Oloyede, the proposed initiative is part of efforts to reduce the enormous cost of establishing and maintaining Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the country. He explained that setting up a standard CBT centre requires billions of naira for computers, power supply, internet infrastructure and maintenance.

Under the proposed arrangement, candidates may in future be permitted to take the UTME and Direct Entry examinations using their personal smartphones, tablets or other approved digital devices instead of relying solely on computers provided at CBT centres.

JAMB, however, stated that the initiative is still at the consideration stage and has not yet been approved for implementation. The board stressed that adequate security measures would be put in place to prevent examination malpractice, hacking and other cyber-related offences before the system can be adopted.

The examination body also hinted at plans to strengthen digital monitoring and collaborate with relevant security agencies to ensure the credibility of the examination process if the policy is eventually introduced.

The development has continued to generate mixed reactions among Nigerians on social media platforms, including Facebook. While some people described the proposal as a modern and innovative step capable of reducing technical failures experienced during UTME examinations, others expressed concerns over internet connectivity, device compatibility, battery failure and the possibility of increased examination malpractice.

Some students and education stakeholders also raised concerns about whether all candidates would have access to suitable smartphones or digital devices needed for the examination.

As of the time of filing this report, JAMB has not announced any official date for the implementation of the BYOD system, while the UTME remains strictly computer-based at accredited CBT centres nationwide.