The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the full automation of its question‑setting process for examinations. The move is designed to strengthen transparency, reduce human interference, and ensure fairness in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
According to JAMB officials, the new system uses advanced software to generate, vet, and randomize questions, minimizing risks of bias or compromise. The automation also allows for faster preparation and greater consistency across test centers nationwide.
Responses to the development have been mixed. Education stakeholders praised the initiative as a step toward modernizing Nigeria’s examination system. One university lecturer commented: “This is the kind of innovation we need; it reduces suspicion and builds confidence in the process.” Students on social media expressed cautious optimism, with some welcoming the change as a safeguard against malpractice, while others worried about potential technical glitches. A student wrote: “Automation is good, but JAMB must ensure the system doesn’t fail on exam day.”
Policy analysts highlighted the broader implications, noting that automation could serve as a model for other examination bodies in Africa. However, they stressed the importance of continuous monitoring and independent audits to maintain credibility.
For JAMB, the automation marks a milestone in its ongoing reforms aimed at restoring trust in Nigeria’s tertiary admission process. As the next UTME approaches, attention will focus on how smoothly the new system operates and whether it delivers on its promise of fairness and efficiency.
