CHALLENGES/ PROBLEMS FACED BY JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Nigeria faces so many challenges, some of them
include:

1. Technical Issues: JAMB frequently experiences issues in its computer-based exams, including server
downtimes, network, delay in verifying biometrics, power failure, and software glitches, causing
inconvenience and stress for exam candidates.

2. Exam Malpractice: The board contends with the ongoing problem of examination malpractice,
encompassing issues such as cheating, multiple/fraudulent registrations by candidates with irregular
credentials, impersonation, and the unauthorized disclosure of exam questions, posing a threat to the
credibility of the examinations. Malpractice on the part of parents of wards, trying to bend the system
by all means and get their wards or children into schools, irrespective of their performance.

3. Indiscipline: Indiscipline from the tertiary institutions who admit against the Federal Government’s
policy guidelines as mandated by the Ministry of Education.After admitting outside these policies, they
put pressure on students at the final moments towards graduation to come back to JAMB for what they
call regularisation.Indiscipline among candidates especially those succombing to the temptation of
cheating or ignorance poses a serious threat to the integrity of the examination process, compromising
the credibility of JAMB results.

4.Logistical Challenges: Coordinating and managing the logistics of conducting nationwide exams for a
large number of candidates can be challenging, leading to occasional hitches in transportation,
distribution of materials, and overall exam administration.

5.Access and Equity: Ensuring equal access to exams for candidates from diverse socio-economic
backgrounds remains a challenge. Some candidates face difficulties in registering or accessing study
materials due to economic constraints or lack of resources, despite the fact that its now computer based
test.

6. Delays in Result Processing: Occasional delays in result processing by JAMB can lead to anxiety and
frustration among candidates awaiting their scores. These delays may be attributed to technical issues,
increased volume of exam takers, or administrative challenges. The consequences include prolonged
uncertainty for students seeking admission, potentially impacting their academic and career planning.

7. Fraudulent Practices: The board faces challenges related to fraudulent practices, such as the creation
of dubious examination centers, websites, or scams claiming to provide leaked questions or guaranteed
success, leading to misinformation and exploitation of candidates.

8.Technology Integration: As JAMB transitions to computer-based testing, ensuring that all candidates,
including those in remote areas, have access to the necessary technology and are comfortable with the
computer-based format poses a challenge.
9. Right Placement: JAMB faces the challenge of placing suitably qualified candidates in the tertiary
institutions after taking into account the following: the vacancies available in all tertiary institutions, the
guidelines approved for each tertiary institution by its proprietors or other competent authorities, the
preference expressed or otherwise indicated by the candidates for certain tertiary institutions and
courses, etc.

10.Public Perception and Criticism: JAMB frequently receives public criticism concerning its policies,
exam difficulty, and general management of the admission process. This criticism has the potential to
influence the board's reputation and public trust.

In summary, addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach involving efficient

technology upgrades, investment in robust infrastructure, developing streamlined processes, improved
security measures, effective communication, and ongoing efforts to enhance the examination process.