The House of Representatives has issued a directive, compelling the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to prolong the registration window for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) by an additional two weeks.
The decision, made during a Thursday plenary, aims to accommodate a larger number of potential candidates who have been hindered by the current economic challenges in the country.
The decision was in response to the pressing concerns raised by Hon. Hassan Shinkafi from Zamfara State.
Shinkafi, while presenting the motion of urgent public importance, highlighted the hardships faced by numerous families who were unable to register their children or wards within the initially specified timeframe.
The UTME registration, which commenced on January 15, concluded on February 26, 2024, leaving many aspiring candidates excluded due to the prevailing economic circumstances.
Expressing concern over the impact of the deadline, Shinkafi emphasized the setback faced by non-IT compliant candidates attempting online registration. He argued that failing to extend the registration period would result in a limited number of candidates being able to participate in the examination, ultimately leading to reduced coverage and participation in this year’s UTME Examination in Nigeria.
The House of Representatives, recognizing the urgency and potential ramifications of this matter, has intervened to ensure a more inclusive opportunity for aspiring students across the nation.
The call for a two-week extension seeks to address the challenges posed by economic constraints and technological barriers, fostering a fair and accessible environment for all candidates aspiring to take part in the UTME.
