The Political Awareness Group (PAG) has been pondering on this question since Wednesday, when some unpatriotic individuals called for the resignation of the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede. This demand followed a press briefing by the examination body, during which they acknowledged regrettable and accidental errors that affected candidates’ performance in Lagos and the entire South East.
First and foremost, it is essential to empathise with the candidates and parents impacted by this unfortunate incident. We believe that no amount of remedial action by JAMB could fully compensate for the losses incurred as a result of this event. However, as past candidates of this examination body, we can affirm that improvements are being made at JAMB, and we encourage continued efforts for progress. We extend our heartfelt sympathy for this unfortunate situation. Although undesirable, we assure you that such experiences can strengthen institutions and lead to memorable successes in the future.
Now, regarding the apology issued and the reactions it garnered, one must wonder if we genuinely desire responsible leadership in this country. During the indicated press briefing, Prof. Oloyede did not take the common route of deflection or defensiveness. Instead, he sincerely apologised and outlined the steps JAMB would take to address the technical glitch, something that occurred recently even in the so-called advanced countries.
As noted by Farooq A. Kperogi, a similar incident occurred in the United States on March 8 this year. A technical glitch during the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), which parallels Nigeria’s UTME, caused many test-takers to inadvertently submit their answers prematurely. This led to many students receiving scores that were below the threshold for university admission.
On April 8, a more severe technical failure impacted the American College Testing (ACT) exam, affecting up to 11,000 secondary school students in Illinois who were unable to complete their tests due to server malfunctions. The computer system’s failure led to delayed start times and freezing sections during the examination.
Additionally, the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), required for admission to law schools in the U.S., encountered similar technical failures in 2019 and 2020. More recently, in October 2023, Oxford University faced severe technical and administrative glitches during its admissions test for prospective undergraduates, resulting in a decision to switch test providers. The new provider, Tata Consultancy Services, faced significant challenges, reflecting previous occurrences in India in 2009 and again this January.
In all these cited examples, a humane and decisive approach was taken to address the situation, with no calls for resignation. Unfortunately, this response did not resonate well with certain individuals who seem to have been enduring Prof. Oloyede’s leadership at JAMB.
Currently, examination malpractice and corruption of any form are being significantly reduced within JAMB. Therefore, the calls for resignation might mirror the desperation of individuals engaged in bad practices, such as malpractice and corruption, that are being systematically eradicated by JAMB.
We extend our special appreciation to the institutions, organisations, and individuals who have shown support for JAMB and the approach Prof. Oloyede has taken in addressing this unfortunate situation. These include LASU, Fountain University, UNILORIN, the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, MUSWEN, Prof. Yusuf O. Alli, Prof. K.O. Oriola, Faruq Kperogi, and many others.
We join the voices of the aforementioned organisations and personalities in urging Prof. Oloyede to remain focused and to disregard those who exploit Nigeria’s socio-cultural and ethnic diversities to condemn anyone who refuses to be compromised by their antics. Prof. Oloyede has the support and prayers of those whose only goal is to see Nigeria rise and overcome its challenges.
Continue to thrive, Prof. Oloyede. May God Almighty guide, guard, and perfect your ways. Amen.
Lukman Tunde Fasasi PhD (Chairman)
Adesola Miftaudeen Bamidele
(General Secretary)