JAMB: The on-line headache
By Anthony A. Nnan
Sunday,
May
4, 2008
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Photo: Sun
News Publishing |
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For years past, the filing of JAMB forms had been done manually
with pencil. Recently in keeping with the global trend, all
forms should be filled through the Internet.
Nobody is quarrelling with the new idea – but how has
it faired. Filling the forms via the Net has not been easy.
Most villages do not have Internet facilities. They have to
travel kilometres away for the exercise. Again, once you log
in a few information but cannot complete the form, your troubles
have started.
JAMB will only allow you two to three weeks to complete the
form, otherwise it is declared void and you have to purchase
another form.
Whose fault is that the forms can not be filled via the Net?
By implication, thousands of forms nation-wide will be rendered
invalid. How many of the applicants would be able to go for
a repurchase bearing in mind their travail at different cyber
cafes?
JAMB authorities in each state should have asked those having
problems with the forms to take such forms to JAMB who will
complete same for a token fee. Or ask such applicants to complete
the forms manually as before. I do not think that is proper
to ask those concerned to buy new forms for no fault of theirs.
I am of the opinion that the JAMB examination should not be
a yearly ritual for all those seeking university admission.
Once one has made JAMB, that is it – no more. The length
of time (years) it takes you to battle with the university
authorities to gain admission as a result of their new posture
will not be tied to JAMB’s yearly circus. Too many people
have suffered untold hardships because of politics that needed
looking into.
In view of the above and more, I am appealing to the National
Assembly, Ministry of Education and all relevant agencies
to put heads together to find other areas that tend to stagnate
the system, amend them and chart a better way forward for
all.
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