In a bold move, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Examinations (JAMB) announced their intention to introduce a “Bring Your Own Device” policy for the Unified Tertiary Matriculations Examinations and the Direct Entry Examinations. This decision has stirred up a storm of debate.
Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of the Board, made this announcement during the ongoing 2023 policy meeting in Abuja. Oloyede explained that this initiative would allow candidates to use their mobile phones to take the exams, citing the board’s hefty expenditure on examination logistics as a driving factor.
The presentation by Oloyede revealed the board’s plan, stating, “In our pursuit of progress, we are considering the adoption of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, which enables JAMB candidates to utilize their personal telecommunication devices. Although this may reduce costs, concerns arise regarding digital literacy.
Additionally, we propose the establishment of a mobile examination malpractice tribunal to address criminal offences, while educational institutions handle cases of misconduct. We aim to collaborate with security agencies and cybercrime experts to tap into their expertise and combat malpractice effectively. Furthermore, certain services will be shifted to the registration portal to prevent extortion, and the implementation of Open Book Examinations will discourage cheating. It is crucial to demonstrate political will and make concerted efforts to establish a unified identity for all citizens through the NIMC system to deter impersonation.”
The question remains: Can Nigeria’s educational system truly evolve to a point where students can use their phones to write JAMB without succumbing to malpractice, particularly with the rise of AI applications like ChatGPT and others? While it is technically feasible, as tertiary institutions already employ platforms like Google Forms for exams and tests, the main obstacle lies in the country’s unreliable network infrastructure.
Implementing such an initiative would necessitate meticulous planning, strategic thinking, and adequate resources. Does Nigeria possess the necessary capabilities to seamlessly execute this proposal?
