Editorial
In Nigeria, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is established to be the gateway to higher education for millions of Nigerian students. Unfortunately, the whispers and,in some cases, the outright shouts of corruption surrounding it have become worrisome. When an institution meant to be a fair arbiter of academic merit is tainted, it undermines the dreams of countless young people and the future of our nation.
One of the most glaring issues is the alleged involvement of JAMB officials in examination malpractice. There have been instances where officials are accused of aiding and abetting cheating, leaking of examination questions, or manipulating results. This kind of corruption directly compromises the integrity of the examination and gives an unfair advantage to those who can pay or have connections, rather than those who have genuinely studied.
There is also the issue of fraudulent admissions. Despite JAMB’s efforts to streamline the admission process, cases still emerge where candidates who did not meet the cut-off marks or even sit for the examination are somehow admitted while those who passed on merit are shoved aside. This points to a deeper network of corruption, potentially involving both JAMB staff and university officials, who exploit loopholes for personal gain.
Reports further affirm that the financial aspect of this corruption is also significant. From illegal charges for services that should be free or standardized to outright bribery for admission slots, money often changes hands in ways that are not transparent or legitimate. This not only burdens already struggling families but also diverts funds that could be used to improve the educational system
In all these, the impact on students is devastating. Those who work hard and prepare diligently often find themselves sidelined by others who have cheated their way in. This can lead to deep frustration, disillusionment, and a sense of injustice, potentially pushing bright and honest students away from pursuing higher education in Nigeria.
Furthermore, a corrupt JAMB system ultimately affects the quality of graduates. If students are admitted based on fraud rather than merit, there is the tendency that they will struggle academically in higher institutions, leading to a decline in their performance and the overall standard of education with the tertiary institutions ending up producing graduates who are not adequately prepared for the workforce.
This issue about the prevailing corruption in JAMB also has broader societal implications. When young people see that corruption can pave the way to success, it normalizes unethical behaviour and erodes moral values. It teaches the younger generation that hard work does not always pay off, thereby fostering a culture of dishonesty and undermining the principles of fairness and equity.
In fairness to JAMB,it has made efforts to combat corruption, especially under Professor Ishaq Oloyede’s leadership. Initiatives like the use of CCTV cameras in examination centres, biometric verification, and strict penalties for malpractice have been introduced. These measures have reportedly led to significant improvements and even a higher remittance of funds to the federal government.
Nigerian Horn,however, contends that the continued allegations and the persistence of malpractice suggest that more needs to be done. There is a need for continuous vigilance, stricter enforcement of existing laws, and perhaps even a more robust whistle-blower protection program to encourage reporting of corrupt practices without fear of reprisal.
We strongly posit that ridding JAMB of corruption is not just
about cleaning up an examination body; it is about safeguarding the future of Nigeria’s education system and ensuring that every child has a fair chance to achieve their academic potential. It requires a sustained, multi-pronged approach involving technology, strict oversight, ethical leadership, and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders.
