JAMB refutes claims of assigning candidates outside chosen exam towns
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has dismissed rumours claiming that it allocates candidates to exam centres outside the towns they originally selected.
Through a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, clarified that candidates are consistently assigned to centres within their chosen towns, depending on the available computer-based test facilities.
Benjamin highlighted that the board strongly emphasises candidates’ convenience, ensuring that exam locations align with the preferences indicated among the available options.
He stressed that candidates are allowed to select their exam towns, and JAMB strictly honours those selections when assigning centres.
“It is our firm belief that some parents are continually being deceived, misled, and defrauded by their wards and some secondary school proprietors who perpetuate this falsehood.
“Let it be unequivocally clear: at the time of registration, candidates have the right to select their preferred examination town. JAMB subsequently assigns them to a centre within the selected town.
“The baseless claim that candidates are posted to towns different from their choices is erroneous, malicious, and aimed solely at tarnishing the board’s reputation. It does not happen.
“The Board therefore challenges this false yet popular narrative by offering a handsome financial reward to anyone who can provide authentic proof of even one candidate who has been posted outside their chosen town,” he said.
Benjamin further explained that to maintain transparency and avoid “being a judge in one’s own case,” evidence should be sent within 96 hours to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission WhatsApp number: 08056003030.
He stated that this approach would allow an independent body to verify any claim, issue the reward where applicable, or clear the board’s name from the persistent smear campaign.
“Anyone who finds no fault in airlines requesting air travellers to arrive at the airport two hours before departure should equally find no fault in encouraging candidates to arrive at CBT centres 90 minutes before the commencement of examinations for preliminary verification.
“Many parents who expect candidates to spend no more than two hours for a two-hour examination are unaware of the necessary preliminary processes,” he added.
Benjamin called on the public to trust public agencies and to believe that these bodies are committed to serving in the best interests of the people.
He reiterated that JAMB remains steadfast in its dedication to the public good.
“On a lighter note, another example of gullibility was demonstrated by a female UTME candidate who refused to attempt any questions during her examination this morning. This was because she was complying with her grandfather’s instruction to do nothing and wait for miraculous intervention,” he explained.
He urged candidates to reject superstitious beliefs and unrealistic expectations of success without effort.
