The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Andrew David Adejo, has tasked stakeholders on education sector on openness in all their intractions.
He made the statement Saturday in Abuja at JAMB”s policy meeting.
He said the position of the Federal Ministry of Education from time immemorial has always been that the first fundamental principle in the admission process is openness, which is in tandem with the legal maxim that “he who comes into equity must come with clean hands”.
He said, “It is therefore apposite that while the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board must ensure the sanctity and integrity of its examination at all times, the institutions must also be bastions of excellence, where admission decisions are based strictly on the agreed guidelines without compromise.”
He urged all to remain focused on consolidating the achievements recorded through creative innovations to deepen transparency, accountability, equity and fairness.
He further stressed that the criteria for admissions remained as approved and circulated by JAMB, adding that all institutions must therefore, adhere strictly to them and all other criteria prescribed by the regulatory bodies, such as NUC, NBTE and NCCE as well as other professional regulatory bodies, with specific reference to approved quota, ratio and other specifications meant for improved quality, accountability and equity.
He reminded the participants that the first law in heaven is order and violating laid-down criteria and procedures is tantamount to creating anarchy; this, he said, would not be condoned by the Ministry.
The 2023 meeting was to decide and agree on the modalities and guidelines for the 2023 admissions in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Adejo said in 2018, JAMB unveiled its innovative technology code-named CAPS (or Central Admissions Processing System).
“Five years after, that impressive innovation has revolutionised the admission process, eliminated administrative bottlenecks and ensured seamless interface for both applicants and institutions.
“It is interesting to note that between last year and now, CAPS has been widened to become, in addition to its original purpose, a secure communication platform between JAMB and each of the Vice Chancellors, Registrars, Admission Officers and Directors of Academic Planning of tertiary institutions. Besides, the Integrated Brochure And Syllabus System (IBASS) has also been widened to accommodate safe and personalised communication among the three regulatory Agencies, JAMB and the institutions,” he said.
The use of the mandatory National Identification Number (NIN) for JAMB registration over the last three registration exercises has caught the attention of the Permanent Secretary.
“NIN has yielded the expected result of weeding out professional examination takers and others who engage in examination malpractices.
The Ministry shall continue to provide leadership, support and encouragement to JAMB in its commitment to ensuring standard and best practice. I unequivocally urge other examination bodies to emulate JAMB in all these positive directions,” he said.