JAMB Hints On Introducing Self-Service Registration Outlets In Lagos, Abuja

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB has in a bid to relieve candidates of stress during registration and to encourage computer literacy announced plans to introduce self-service registration outlets in Abuja and Lagos.

The academic board explained that the idea is to advance the digital competence of candidates so they can easily do and complete registrations on their own.

Naija News understands that JAMB disclosed this in its Weekly Bulletin from the Office of the Registrar,  Is-haq Oloyede on Monday in Abuja.

It was also noted in the bulletin that the new system after implementation will reduce crowds at various JAMB accredited Computer-Based Tests (CBT) Centres in both cities.

It added that it is also to expand the registration access points, in line with the extant federal government’s COVID-19 protocols.

Stressing its confidence in the benefits that come with the new system, the board said its service provider, Bankfort, had assured of the immense potential of the seamless registration mode.

Similarly, JAMB also stated that it is set to incur not less than N50 million as added commission to its financial vendors.

Naija News understands that the development is coming not long after JAMB introduced its cashless regime in its 2022 registration exercise.

The bulletin quoted Prof. Oloyede as saying that the additional financial burden was the price the board is prepared to pay.

This, Oloyede stated, followed the board’s concern to the plight of Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), and Direct Entry (DE) candidates in the hands of shylock CBT centre owners.

He said: “The measure would put a stop to other sharp practices that usually follow the payment of direct service charges for registration at these centres.”

Oloyeded noted that candidates are expected to purchase an e-PIN for ₦3,500 as subsidized by the federal government, N500 compulsory reading text and an N700 regulated charge for CBT centres.

“All the purchases cost ₦4,700 as candidates are expected to now pay the regulated N700 charge for CBT centres along with the cost for e-PIN.

“The board would later transmit all accrued entitlements to respective CBT centres on a weekly basis or any timeframe agreeable to respective centres, to curtail all noticeable infractions.”

Oloyede also stated that, while the board now spearheads the collection of the N700 service charge on behalf of the centres, it would be taking on the additional responsibility of the N25 commission.

He said that the N25 commission amounted to over N50 million in 2021.

While warning that vendors would be held responsible for any act of misdemeanour or infraction committed by their agents, the registrar urged all financial institutions to be involved in the UTME/DE registration to live up to expectations.