The Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB) has restated the condition that mandates UTME prospective candidates to show on their phones, not written on pieces of paper or elsewhere, their codes and/or pins vended as proof of registration at CBT centres.
The mandate, as clarified by JAMB, is clear in its instructions to UTME candidates – the codes and pins generated as proof of registration must be readily available on the candidates’ phones. This move aims to streamline the verification process at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers during the examination.
The decision to move away from the traditional method of providing codes and pins on paper is rooted in the desire to minimize the risk of identity theft and other malpractices. By having candidates present this information on their phones, JAMB hopes to add an extra layer of security to the UTME process, ensuring that candidates are who they claim to be.
Identity theft has been a persistent concern in standardized testing, and JAMB’s decision to mandate the display of codes and pins on phones is a strategic response to this issue. With the increasing reliance on technology, traditional methods of safeguarding sensitive information are proving inadequate. By incorporating mobile devices into the authentication process, JAMB aims to stay ahead of potential threats and protect the integrity of the examination.
The move towards a more technologically integrated approach reflects a broader trend in educational assessment. Institutions worldwide are leveraging advancements in technology to fortify their examination processes. Biometric authentication, online monitoring, and now the use of personal mobile devices all contribute to creating a more secure and robust testing environment.
While some may initially raise concerns about the potential risks associated with relying on mobile phones, JAMB assures candidates that appropriate measures will be in place to safeguard against misuse. The board emphasizes the importance of responsible phone usage during the examination, focusing solely on accessing the required codes and pins.
This is contained in the latest edition of the JAMB weekly bulletin, issued on Monday, January 29.
JAMB said the directive aims to preclude the issue of identity theft which, it noted, is fast becoming the tool of choice employed by examination cheats worldwide to compromise examinations.
The examination body said: “In addition, the measure would ensure the accuracy and reliability of candidates’ records, thereby saving the huge man hours and resources expended annually by the Board on needless data correction.
“It would be recalled that the Board had, in an advisory made available to prospective candidates prior to the commencement of the 2024 UTME registration, stressed the importance of providing this critical piece of information on their phones at the point of registration, while at the same time, charging CBT centres to ensure full compliance.”
JAMB said candidates should display their profile codes and e-PINs, which they received via the board’s USSD codes, on their mobile phones used to create their profiles.
It said failure to do so would result in denied registration.
For flouting the directive and allowing candidates to register without showing the proof on their phones, JAMB said it had already suspended Total Child Computer and CBT Centre (TCCC) from the ongoing registration.
JAMB said the act of registering candidates who presented their pins on pins against the mandatory display of the profile code and vended e-PINs as received on their phone screens constitutes “serious misconduct capable of causing mixups of candidates’ biodata and other sensitive information.”
“This act was viewed given the fact that all centres have been sufficiently briefed on the huge implications of doing otherwise. The Board warned other CBT centres to abide by their rules of engagement or be sanctioned accordingly,” JAMB said.
JAMB’s recent directive to mandate the display of registration codes and pins on candidates’ phones introduces a significant shift in the UTME examination process. As technology continues to play a pivotal role in educational assessments, institutions must adapt to safeguard the integrity of their examinations. The move aligns with a broader global trend towards utilizing technology for secure and transparent testing processes.
As the educational landscape evolves, it becomes crucial for both examination bodies and candidates to embrace these changes responsibly. JAMB’s proactive approach to addressing identity theft through this mandate reflects a commitment to maintaining the credibility of the UTME. As candidates gear up for the 2024 UTME, the implementation of this directive will undoubtedly be closely monitored, with the hope that it contributes to a smoother, more secure examination experience for all.