3 reasons we have not started selling forms - JAMB registrar
Forms for the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) are not on sale yet. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has explained why.
The JAMB registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede himself explained the reason for the delay which is very unlike that of previous years.
He gave the following reasons:
1. Scratch cards
The registrar explained that one reason for the delay was due to issues the board had with sale of scratch cards.
He said that whereas candidates used to buy scratch cards to access the forms online previously, they planned to cancel that since it had been abused thoroughly.
According to Daily Trust, he said: “What we want to do is for students to pay directly to government coffers and we are working out the process of doing so to avoid the type of abuse that it has been subjected to.
“So, we want to sell directly and to make sure that candidates pay into TSA account. We have cases of students saying their scratch cards got burnt, others saying their scratch cards were swallowed by snakes or lost in an accident.
“I believe my predecessor did his best. Shortly before I came, he dismissed 12 staff on issues relating to the sale of scratch cards or e-facility cards as we called it. I need to build on it by cancelling the whole process."
READ ALSO: 8 updates candidates must know about UTME 2017
2. Timetable
The second reason given was the clash of timetables for which JAMB had met other exam bodies.
Prof Oloyede said: “Another reason is that we do not want our students to suffer as a result of clash in timetable. Students have to take NECO, WAEC and NABTEB exams.
"That is why we held meetings with examination bodies and agreed to realign our timetable. There is no time yet for the sale of forms."
3. Fraudsters
The last reason as given by the board, is the proliferation of fraudsters. Prof said: "Fraudsters thought we are going to sell scratch cards and they have started selling fake forms and we are now arresting them. We have to thank the security agencies, particularly the NSCDC.
"Between August last year and now, not less than four people have been convicted by courts and have been sentenced either as students or as fake business men. So that is the kind of signal we want to send.”
Legit.ng recently compiled a list of the various changes that have been made to this year's UTME, in order to help students stay abreast of developments.
Source: Legit.ng
