JAMB to Reinstate Prison CBT Centres After Suspension
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to restore its computer-based test (CBT) centres within Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) facilities. The centres had been suspended previously due to reports of unethical practices within the NCoS facilities in Kaduna, Lagos, and Ilorin. These actions had compromised the integrity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Reversal of Suspension After Discussions
Following extensive discussions with NCoS leadership, JAMB has decided to reverse its earlier suspension. The acting controller-general of NCoS, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, visited JAMB’s headquarters in Abuja on February 28, 2025. Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB’s registrar, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to supporting young offenders nearing the completion of their sentences and wishing to pursue further education.
Breaches of Trust and New Guidelines
Oloyede acknowledged that some officials had misused the initiative, enrolling their children instead of inmates, which undermined the programme’s intended purpose. He confirmed that JAMB has set up a four-member committee to develop new guidelines to ensure proper use of the CBT centres in the future.
Impact on Inmates and Collaboration with NCoS
During the meeting, Nwakuche commended JAMB for providing educational opportunities to rehabilitated offenders. He highlighted that many inmates had successfully reintegrated into society. Nwakuche also encouraged JAMB to consider additional waivers for qualified inmates seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
Currently, NCoS houses over 80,000 inmates, including 53,000 awaiting trial and approximately 3,808 on death row. Nwakuche spoke about the ongoing collaboration between NCoS and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), which has enabled inmates to write books and contribute to various vocational fields. The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to expanding educational opportunities for inmates.
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