The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the reinstatement of its Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres located within Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) facilities.
Recall that the board had suspended the CBT centres in the Correctional Facilities in Kaduna, Lagos, and Ilorin due to reports of unethical practices by certain individuals both within and outside the NCoS, which it said threatened the integrity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede who announced the reversal during a visit by the Acting Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr. Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, to JAMB’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, over the weekend, stated suspension was lifted after extensive discussions between JAMB officials and NCoS leadership.
The JAMB registrar emphasised the Board’s commitment to partnering with the NCoS to support young offenders nearing the completion of their sentences who wish to pursue their educational aspirations.
He noted that some officials had exploited this opportunity to enrol their children, undermining the purpose of the initiative.
Oloyede expressed disappointment over the misuse of privilege by individuals in positions of trust, stating that the Board has established a four-man committee to develop new operational modalities for the CBT centres’ reinstatement.
During the meeting, the Acting Controller-General thanked the Registrar for JAMB’s initiatives that provide young and rehabilitated offenders with a chance to reintegrate into society.
He highlighted the positive outcomes of these programmes and expressed hope for a strengthened partnership between JAMB and the NCoS, aimed at benefiting the nation’s youth.
He also requested more waiver for admission of qualified inmates in tertiary institutions.
Nwakuche revealed that the NCoS currently houses over 80,000 inmates, with 53,000 awaiting trial and approximately 3,808 on death row.
He also discussed the successful collaboration between the NCoS and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), which has enabled inmates to author books and make significant contributions to their vocational fields.
Nwakuche praised JAMB for its vital role in the education sector and expressed his desire to strengthen ties with agencies that can positively impact the NCoS and the broader community.
He acknowledged JAMB’s achievements, commending the Registrar for his dedication and leadership. He underscored the importance of JAMB’s initiatives in facilitating positive change for citizens who have strayed from the right path, noting that many inmates have gained additional qualifications and shifted their perspectives on education.
JAMB in its weekly bulletin disclosed that the meeting concluded with Nwakuche and his entourage, which included senior officials from the NCoS, reaffirming their commitment to collaboration and the shared goal of enhancing educational opportunities for inmates.
