Education
200 candidates, 50 CBT operators on trial for examination malpractices – JAMB boss
• parents, professional examination takers aid and abet cheating
No fewer than 200 candidates of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, (JAMB) and over 50 Computer Based Test, (CBT) operators are currently being prosecuted for various examination malpractices in the country.
JAMB Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Ishaq Oloyede who disclosed this on Thursday noted that activities of unscrupulous candidates and fraudsters were major challenges facing the examination body.
Speaking on AM120, a live breakfast programme on the television channel of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State, (BCOS TV), monitored by Mega Icon Magazine, Professor Oloyede however maintained that JAMB has put several controlled measures in place to curb or minimize the activities of those who always wants to cut corners or use technology to cheat in examinations.
According to the JAMB boss, “We have deployed trusted persons.The supervision became intense.Resident supervisors are now put in charge of clusters of 250 candidates.We also deploy detective services in such a manner that the possibility of escaping detection becomes impossible”.
Oloyede stressed that JAMB has succeeded in minimizing the ignoble role played by several unregulated tutorial centers which he calls middle men and professional examination takers which aid and abet examination malpractices, adding that “we have attained a stage where anyone who intends to cheat will think twice as it now becomes almost impossible to go away with the act.”
Oloyede, while decrying the involvement of parents in examination malpractices said “I can deal with the pranks of candidates or students. I can deal with the antics of those fraudsters. But what I find difficult is the involvement of parents. It is very sad that some parents who have faked their past still want to fake the future of their children, thereby creating platform to damage the character and integrity of such children.”
JAMB Registrar said that through the policy of openness and accountability which he initiated at the onset,the board has continued to remit substantial amount of money to the covers of the federal government since he assumed office in August 2017.
It will be recalled that last Monday 4th May,2020,JAMB announced a remittance of 7billion Naira to the federal government, saying the amount is part of excess funds generated in 2020 particularly from the March and April 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations,UTME.
Oloyede explained further that from outset,the present leadership of the board decided to return whatever was left unutilized from its operational costs.
“We are not revenue generating body. We are not revenue wasting agency. When we came in we drew the line,to put everything we do on the table.Through this,it is easy to monitor all our revenues.You know that once you cross the red line,you will account for it.
“The problem with leadership in Nigeria is that there is too much discretion and one of the major causes of deep-rooted corruption is that there is too much latitude.Authorities at various levels have stop much powers.
“What we did was that we limited discretion in JAMB.There is a procedure and once you don’t follow the procedure your asked to account for your inaction”, he said .
When asked about the reason behind his success story as JAMB Registrar and Chief Executive,he attributed this to God, his parents and his teachers at all levels as well as the foundation laid by his predecessors.
Education
WAEC: Computer-Based WASSCE Starts This Friday
The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced the commencement of its Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (CBWASSCE) for private candidates, starting from October 25, 2024.
The examination is set to run until December 20, 2024, according to a statement released by the council on Tuesday.
In a bid to modernise the examination process, WAEC disclosed that the CBWASSCE will be conducted in a hybrid format.
Adesina Fadekemi, the council’s spokesperson, explained that the objective or multiple-choice questions would be displayed onscreen, requiring candidates to submit their responses electronically.
However, for essay and practical questions, while the questions will also be presented digitally, candidates will still provide answers using traditional answer booklets.
Additionally, WAEC has provided an option for candidates who prefer to use the conventional Paper and Pen mode for all exam papers, catering to those not comfortable with the digital format.
The council also extended the registration deadline for the upcoming CBWASSCE to Tuesday, October 29, 2024.
Candidates who miss the registration window can still take advantage of the “Walk-in-Candidate” option, allowing them to register 24 hours before their preferred paper is scheduled.
Education
Oyo Central Senator, Akintunde Pledges Support for Federal Polytechnic Ayede’s Growth
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, has reaffirmed his commitment to aiding the Federal Polytechnic Ayede in realising its full potential.
Senator Akintunde made this pledge during a courtesy visit to the institution’s temporary site in Iresa-Pupa, Ogbomoso, on Wednesday.
Speaking during the visit, the lawmaker highlighted his passion for contributing to humanity, especially through the advancement of education and skills development.
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“I am part of the polytechnic system. I started at The Polytechnic, Ibadan before going to Lagos State University, Ojoo, Lagos. I’m a lover of knowledge and I am always striving to contribute my quota in the area of education and skills development, among others, and in the legislative assignments as my primary responsibility,” he stated.
The APC chieftain further emphasised his dedication to supporting the Polytechnic and its community, stating that leaders should be driven by a commitment to serving humanity.
He cited the legacy of Hon. Olu Afolabi, a Second Republic House of Representatives member, who was instrumental in establishing the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo.
“Afolabi’s legacy remains evergreen today,” Akintunde remarked, emphasising the importance of creating lasting impacts through public service.
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As part of his developmental projects for the Oyo Central Senatorial District, Akintunde disclosed that he had procured 120 solar-powered boreholes to be installed across the 118 wards of the 11 local governments in his senatorial district, along with 10,000 solar street lights.
He assured the Federal Polytechnic Ayede that some of these solar street lights would be installed within the institution to enhance security and visibility on campus.
Earlier, the Rector of the Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Dr. Taofeek Abdul-Hameed, who was represented by the acting Rector and Deputy Rector (Academics), Mr. Azeez Ojo, expressed gratitude to the senator.
The Rector noted that Senator Akintunde had demonstrated a deep commitment to philanthropic causes even before assuming office as a senator.
“You see, it’s a great privilege receiving Distinguished Senator Yunus Akintunde and his entourage on our campus today. Out of your magnanimity, Sir, you have decided to receive us,” Ojo said, acknowledging the senator’s gesture.
“Our Rector is away to Abuja for the progress and development of our Polytechnic. So, on behalf of the Chairman of our Governing Council, Barrister Ademubowale Mercy Adelabu; Rector; other Principal Officers; Deans; Directors; staff, and students, I welcome you and your entourage to Federal Polytechnic Ayede.
“While on Brave FM, you have, before even telling us, announced the gesture of solar lights donated to us. This we appreciate with the whole of our hearts,” he said.
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The Rector assured the lawmaker that his support would be instrumental in the continued growth and development of the fast-expanding institution.
The visit concluded with the Polytechnic community expressing hope for further collaboration with the senator in the areas of educational and infrastructural development.
(c) Mega Icon Magazine
Education
Mass Exodus: 30 PhD Holders Flee Bauchi Varsity Amid ASUU’s Alarm on Poor Conditions
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Bauchi Zone, has raised serious concerns over the mass exit of 30 PhD holders from Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), formerly known as Bauchi State University, citing deteriorating working conditions and inadequate welfare provisions as primary reasons for the exodus.
The worrying development was brought to light during a press conference held by ASUU on Friday, where officials of the union detailed the various challenges faced by academic staff at the institution.
Speaking on behalf of the union, Zonal Coordinator of ASUU Bauchi Zone, Namo Timothy, lamented the lack of proper policies to retain top scholars, pointing out the absence of a formal employee exit policy.
“Many of our best scholars have been forced to seek better opportunities elsewhere,” Timothy said, adding that “SAZU has no pension or death benefit scheme in place, as obtained in the structured public service regulation in the country.”
He further explained that the lack of such provisions leaves academic staff insecure about their future. “Without a pension or death benefit scheme, our members feel unsafe and unsure of their long-term prospects,” Timothy remarked.
In addition to these grievances, the union condemned the university’s administration for its failure to pay over 650 million naira in accumulated entitlements, including earned academic allowances and honorariums for internal examiners. This has further deepened the discontent among staff members.
“Despite the university generating significant revenue from postgraduate programs, our members have not been compensated for their contributions,” Timothy disclosed.
The union also raised concerns over the sharp increase in student fees, coupled with the administration’s neglect of staff training and development.
Timothy criticised the university for imposing over a 100 percent hike in fees for regular undergraduate programmes, yet failing to address staff welfare.
“The university claims it lacks funds to pay our members, yet it continues to impose higher charges on students,” he stated.
ASUU also expressed displeasure with the continued tenure of the current Pro-Chancellor, who has remained in office since the university’s inception.
The union called for adherence to established regulations governing appointments, arguing that the prolonged tenure has stifled accountability and hindered the implementation of progressive policies.
In light of these critical issues, ASUU urged the Bauchi State Government and other stakeholders to take immediate action to address staff welfare, calling for the establishment of a comprehensive exit policy and the payment of overdue allowances.
“Unless these issues are resolved, we cannot guarantee industrial harmony within SAZU,” Timothy warned.
He further called on the state government to declare a state of emergency at the university to ensure that all contentious matters are urgently addressed, securing the future of both academic staff and the institution.
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