The Human Cost of JAMB Policy: A Call for Reconsideration

The recent tragic news of students losing their lives in a motor accident while traveling to their examination centers is a stark reminder of the human cost of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) policies. As an educationist, author, and marker, I have long been concerned about the impact of JAMB’s modus operandi on students’ well-being.

The allocation of examination centers far from students’ homes and the early morning examination time of 6:30 am are policies that warrant urgent review. These policies not only cause physical and emotional stress but also put students’ lives at risk. In a country where insecurity is a pervasive issue, it is unconscionable to expect students to travel to distant centers in the early hours of the morning.

The data collected during JAMB registration on candidates’ areas of residence makes the allocation of distant centers even more puzzling. It raises questions about the prioritization of students’ safety and comfort. How can students be expected to perform optimally in such conditions? The current approach to preventing examination malpractice is futile without addressing the root causes of the problem.

I urge JAMB to reconsider its policies and prioritize students’ safety and well-being. Conducting examinations within local governments would significantly reduce the stress and risk associated with traveling long distances. Elongating the examination period would also help alleviate the pressure on students.

The loss of young lives is a tragic reminder of the need for change. As we mourn the departed students, let us also reflect on the policies that led to their demise. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our education system prioritizes students’ safety, comfort, and well-being.

May the souls of the departed students rest in peace, and may their memory inspire meaningful change in our education system.