2020 UTME witnessed tremendous improvement – Odumakin
…Says JAMB fortunate to have Oloyede
Human Rights Activist and Founder, AWomen Arise for Change Initiative, Dr. Josephine Okei-Odumakin, has taken stock of the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) recently conducted nationwide and submitted that the examination was a great improvement on previous outings.
Dr. Okei-Odumakin also commended the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, for the uncommon transformations he had brought to bear in the Board which accounted for the maximisation of the use of technology to deliver a seamless examination, stating that the Board is fortunate to have him as the Registrar.
Okei-Odumakin, who has over 30 years’ experience in human rights work in Nigeria, in an exclusive telephone interview with JAMBulletin penultimate Wednesday in Abuja charged JAMB to consolidate on the gains of the 2020 UTME.
Dr. Okei-Odumakin said, “I urge the Board to consolidate on the progress so far made in entrenching the electronic examination system by ensuring that the process is more technologically-fortified and creating wider access in terms of having enough centres to ac commodate applicants seamlessly in the examination.”
“The 2020 UTME witnessed a huge improvement, which confirms the commitment of the JAMB Management to entrenching a culture of efficient service delivery as far as the conduct of examination is concerned.” “It is impressive to realise that there were very few and, perhaps, zero incidence of system malfunctioning and candidates’ inability to undertake the examination as scheduled.”
“This is a major milestone as far as the UTME is concerned. Similarly, there was also a drastic reduction in examination malpractices, thereby enhancing the integrity of the process.”
“Perhaps, the greatest feat was the release of UTME results within 24 hours. This is a clear manifestation of the work done last year to block all loopholes which led to a delay in the release of the 2019 results. This review became needless this year testifying to the enhanced integrity of the entire process.”
The former President of Campaign for Democracy (CD) and Convener, Nigerian Unite Against Terror (NUAT) and Spokesperson, Coalition of Civil Societies, and who has over 700 Awards to her credit, pointed out that the involvement of Civil Society, the Media and other critical stakeholders has helped the Board to get accurate feedbacks capable of enhancing the sanctity of the examination.
Continuing, she said, “Ultimately, the Board should ensure that the process remains tamper-proof in order to continually make its outcome credible, not only in Nigeria, but internationally.”
“Without sounding immodest, I can confidently say that the Board has been so fortunate to have very competent Registrars over time and with the coming on board of Prof. Is-haq Oloyede as its Chief Executive, the Board is poised to cruise to assume its rightful place as a global leader in assessment practices.”
“His dedication to duty, personal integrity and aggressive drive towards continually elevating the standard of the UTME have combined to make JAMB a role model, not only for similar institutions in the country but also internationally.
“It is, therefore, my advice that these reforms are institutionalised to a level that they will remain indelible, even after his tenure.”
Commenting on her driving force as an emancipator and social reformer, she attributed this to her quest to end injustice, culture of silence among women as well as giving voice to the voiceless.