It is that time of the year again when secondary school leavers in this part of the world jostle to secure admission into the tertiary institutions using the Computer-Based Test (CB). For our youths, also known as JAMBites, it could be a period of extreme stress, but following the right path will turn the stress into future opportunities, writes REMMY NWEKE.
Preamble:
The hum of the computer lab also known as a Computer-Based Test (CBT) showed busyness and was a constant drone, a soundtrack to the frantic clicking of keyboards. Halima nervously chewed her lip, her eyes glued to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration portal.
As at February 1, this year, JAMB has provisionally listed some 870 accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), an increase from 747 centres approved in the previous year. The 870 centres it said to have paid some N 140m, while the portal remains open between Monday, 3 February till Saturday, 8 March,
UTME, thus, offers a standardized test that Nigerian students take to gain admission to universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, while JAMB conducts this exam annually.
What is CBT?:
CBT, defined as Computer-Based Test, is a type of examination administered by JAMB as an alternative to the pen-and-paper method of assessment for largely students in their final year of secondary schools, a post-primary system, across Nigeria.
Also, CBT is used to evaluate students for admission into tertiary institutions in anticipation of reducing exam malpractices.
How CBT works?
CBT is administered on computers, either online or at a computer-aided facility, offering often, multiple choice questions, otherwise known in the local parlance as OBJ, a short for objective questions. Though, CBT could be coded, recorded, and evaluated electronically, it provides fast results.
The week after:
And just in one week, some 200,000 candidates already registered! Looking from outside, the pressure was immense on the youth. Every second felt like a precious commodity slipping away. She had been trying for days, battling server errors and frustrating technical glitches. Her dream of studying medicine at the University of Lagos felt uneasily balanced on this digital precipice.
Tension brews:
In the meantime, at a cybercafé a few streets away in a Lagos suburb, a different kind of tension was brewing. Mr. Akinfemi, the café owner, rubbed his hands together, a predatory gleam in his eyes as business was booming.
You and VIP slots:
The JAMB registration rush had brought a flood of customers, eager to bypass the frustrating online queues. He had even started offering "VIP" registration slots – at a significantly inflated price, of course. He glanced at the clock and it was getting late, almost 10pm.
"Time to maximize profits," he murmured to his assistant, Olajide. "Let's start the night registration."
Olajide paused before retorting. "But sir, JAMB warned against that. They said…."
Mr. Akinfemi waved his hand dismissively. "Warnings are for the weak. We're providing a service. These students are desperate. Besides," he lowered his voice, "who's going to find out?"
JAMB: Over night registration forbidden:
News of the late-night registrations reached the ears of JAMB officials in the nearby office, with one of them, Dr. Okoro, frowning at the exercise after receiving several reports of suspicious activities at CBT centers.
For Okoro, the integrity of the examination was paramount, and these illegal practices threatened to undermine the entire system. "We need to act swiftly," he told his team, stressing "This nighttime registration must stop."
Back at the cybercafé, Halima, exhausted and disheartened after another failed attempt, had heard whispers about Mr. Akinfemi’s “VIP” slots. Desperate, she considered it. The cost was exorbitant, but what choice did she have? As she approached the café, she saw Olajide slipping out, looking nervous. He overheard him talking on his phone, mentioning “Jamb officials” and “surprise inspection.”
Night registration, unethical & risky:
Halima’s heart pounded and she realized then that Mr. Akinfemi’s operation was not only unethical but also risky. She could not be part of it, so she stepped back, a new resolve hardening her gaze. She would not compromise her integrity, nor would she risk the validity of her registration.
At this point, she went home, determined to try again the next day, during the approved registration hours. The road to her dream might be difficult, but she would navigate it honestly, fairly, and within the rules.
Sound of opportunities:
Yet, the hum of the computer lab might be daunting, but it was also the sound of opportunity, and she would not let anyone, including Mr. Akinfemi, steal that from her.
The over 200,000 registrations made in the first week of opening the portal were a testament to the aspirations of Nigerian youths, and she was one of them, ready to face the challenge, fairly and squarely.
The JAMB hammer:
In just one week of registration, the JAMB hammer has fallen on two CBT centres with suspension after they were accusing of abetting and aiding in breaching registration procedures, which close industry watchers pointed at late night registration.
The two suspended CBT centres were the Federal College of Education (Technical) Potiskum, Yobe State and a CBT Centre in Otukpo, Benue State, while the JAMB board reiterated warning that any CBT centre found violating the regulations governing the registration processes will face strict sanctions.
CBT, defined as Computer-Based Test, is a type of examination administered by JAMB as an alternative to the pen-and-paper method of assessment for largely students in their final year of secondary schools, a post-primary system, across Nigeria.
Also, CBT is used to evaluate students for admission into tertiary institutions in anticipation of reducing exam malpractices.
How CBT works?
CBT is administered on computers, either online or at a computer-aided facility, offering often, multiple choice questions, otherwise known in the local parlance as OBJ, a short for objective questions. Though, CBT could be coded, recorded, and evaluated electronically, it provides fast results.
The week after:
And just in one week, some 200,000 candidates already registered! Looking from outside, the pressure was immense on the youth. Every second felt like a precious commodity slipping away. She had been trying for days, battling server errors and frustrating technical glitches. Her dream of studying medicine at the University of Lagos felt uneasily balanced on this digital precipice.
Tension brews:
In the meantime, at a cybercafé a few streets away in a Lagos suburb, a different kind of tension was brewing. Mr. Akinfemi, the café owner, rubbed his hands together, a predatory gleam in his eyes as business was booming.
You and VIP slots:
The JAMB registration rush had brought a flood of customers, eager to bypass the frustrating online queues. He had even started offering "VIP" registration slots – at a significantly inflated price, of course. He glanced at the clock and it was getting late, almost 10pm.
"Time to maximize profits," he murmured to his assistant, Olajide. "Let's start the night registration."
Olajide paused before retorting. "But sir, JAMB warned against that. They said…."
Mr. Akinfemi waved his hand dismissively. "Warnings are for the weak. We're providing a service. These students are desperate. Besides," he lowered his voice, "who's going to find out?"
JAMB: Over night registration forbidden:
News of the late-night registrations reached the ears of JAMB officials in the nearby office, with one of them, Dr. Okoro, frowning at the exercise after receiving several reports of suspicious activities at CBT centers.
For Okoro, the integrity of the examination was paramount, and these illegal practices threatened to undermine the entire system. "We need to act swiftly," he told his team, stressing "This nighttime registration must stop."
Back at the cybercafé, Halima, exhausted and disheartened after another failed attempt, had heard whispers about Mr. Akinfemi’s “VIP” slots. Desperate, she considered it. The cost was exorbitant, but what choice did she have? As she approached the café, she saw Olajide slipping out, looking nervous. He overheard him talking on his phone, mentioning “Jamb officials” and “surprise inspection.”
Night registration, unethical & risky:
Halima’s heart pounded and she realized then that Mr. Akinfemi’s operation was not only unethical but also risky. She could not be part of it, so she stepped back, a new resolve hardening her gaze. She would not compromise her integrity, nor would she risk the validity of her registration.
At this point, she went home, determined to try again the next day, during the approved registration hours. The road to her dream might be difficult, but she would navigate it honestly, fairly, and within the rules.
Sound of opportunities:
Yet, the hum of the computer lab might be daunting, but it was also the sound of opportunity, and she would not let anyone, including Mr. Akinfemi, steal that from her.
The over 200,000 registrations made in the first week of opening the portal were a testament to the aspirations of Nigerian youths, and she was one of them, ready to face the challenge, fairly and squarely.
The JAMB hammer:
In just one week of registration, the JAMB hammer has fallen on two CBT centres with suspension after they were accusing of abetting and aiding in breaching registration procedures, which close industry watchers pointed at late night registration.
The two suspended CBT centres were the Federal College of Education (Technical) Potiskum, Yobe State and a CBT Centre in Otukpo, Benue State, while the JAMB board reiterated warning that any CBT centre found violating the regulations governing the registration processes will face strict sanctions.
How to prepare:
As Nigerian youths storm CBTs for registration, its very important to have potential JAMBites prepare for the exercise. Practice, educationists agreed and often say makes perfect; so its advisable to practice under timed conditions, using similar computer equipment to the exam before now that the heat is on.
By familiarizing oneself with the test format, offers additional psychology of developing computer literacy, and taking care of the prospective candidate’s physical and mental health, crowned with obvious successful outcome eventually.
As Nigerian youths storm CBTs for registration, its very important to have potential JAMBites prepare for the exercise. Practice, educationists agreed and often say makes perfect; so its advisable to practice under timed conditions, using similar computer equipment to the exam before now that the heat is on.
By familiarizing oneself with the test format, offers additional psychology of developing computer literacy, and taking care of the prospective candidate’s physical and mental health, crowned with obvious successful outcome eventually.
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