The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has firmly denied rumours suggesting that candidates are being assigned to exam centres outside the towns they selected during registration.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, stressed that the Board is committed to respecting candidates’ choices. He explained that candidates are always posted to Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres within their preferred towns, based on available facilities.
Benjamin made it clear that the Board prioritises the convenience and preferences of every candidate.
“It is our firm belief that some parents are continually being deceived, misled, and defrauded by their wards and some secondary school proprietors who perpetuate this falsehood,” he said.
He reiterated that candidates have the full right to choose their exam town during registration, and JAMB faithfully assigns them to a centre within that town.
“The baseless claim that candidates are posted to towns different from their choices is erroneous, malicious, and aimed solely at tarnishing the Board’s reputation. It does not happen,” Benjamin stated.
Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board Spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin
To reinforce their stance, JAMB has challenged anyone with credible evidence to come forward. The Board even promised a “handsome financial reward” to anyone who can prove that a candidate was posted outside their selected town. Such evidence must be sent within 96 hours to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission via WhatsApp at 08056003030, ensuring an independent body verifies the claim.
Benjamin also compared the process to air travel, explaining that just as airlines ask travellers to arrive early, candidates are advised to arrive at CBT centres 90 minutes before their exam for preliminary verification.
“Many parents who expect candidates to spend no more than two hours for a two-hour examination are evidently unaware of the necessary preliminary processes,” he added.
In his closing remarks, Benjamin urged the public to trust institutions like JAMB, which are dedicated to serving the best interests of the people.
On a lighter note, he shared a surprising incident from an exam session: a female candidate refused to attempt any questions because her grandfather had instructed her to “do nothing and wait for miraculous intervention.”
Benjamin advised candidates to stay focused, prepare adequately, and avoid relying on superstitious hopes.
The Students Forum Nigeria serves as the ultimate hub for Nigerian students, fostering academic growth, social engagement, and knowledge sharing.
