The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has made a significant change in how it reports the results of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). At the 2024 policy meeting held in Abuja on Thursday, July 18, JAMB announced not one, but multiple top scorers for the 2024 UTME. This new approach marks a departure from the board’s previous practice of naming a single highest scorer.
The decision to reveal multiple top performers comes in the wake of recent controversies surrounding exam scores. JAMB had earlier stated that it wouldn’t announce a single highest scorer to avoid situations like the “Mmesoma matter,” referring to a recent incident where there was a dispute over a candidate’s claimed score. By naming several top scorers, JAMB aims to recognize outstanding performance while minimizing the risk of controversies.
Among the top scorers announced were Olowu Joseph from Ondo State, Alayande David from Oyo State, and Orukpe Joel from Edo State. These students have demonstrated exceptional academic ability in the UTME, which is a crucial exam for students seeking admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions. Their achievement is particularly noteworthy given the competitive nature of the exam and the large number of students who take it each year.
This new approach by JAMB reflects a growing awareness of the need for transparency and fairness in the examination process. By recognizing multiple top performers, the board is acknowledging that excellence can be achieved by more than one individual. It also helps to spread recognition across different states, potentially encouraging healthy competition among students from various parts of the country.
The announcement of multiple top scorers may also have implications for university admissions. Traditionally, the highest scorer in the UTME often receives significant attention from universities and the media. With multiple top scorers now recognized, it’s possible that more students will have the opportunity to showcase their achievements to potential universities.
JAMB’s decision also highlights the evolving nature of educational policy in Nigeria. As the body responsible for conducting admission exams into tertiary institutions, JAMB plays a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape of the country. This change in how top performers are recognized could influence how students, parents, and educators approach the UTME in the future.
It’s important to note that while these students have achieved impressive scores in the UTME, admission into Nigerian universities depends on various factors beyond just the UTME score. These include post-UTME screenings conducted by individual universities, O’level results, and sometimes, catchment area considerations.
As news of the multiple top scorers spreads, it’s likely to generate discussion among educators, students, and parents about the merits of this new approach. Some may see it as a more inclusive way of recognizing academic excellence, while others might question how it will affect the competitive nature of university admissions.
In conclusion, JAMB’s announcement of multiple top scorers for the 2024 UTME represents a significant shift in how academic achievement is recognized in Nigeria’s education system. It demonstrates the board’s commitment to fairness and transparency, while also potentially changing the dynamics of how top-performing students are viewed in the university admission process. As the implications of this new approach unfold, it will be interesting to see how it influences future educational policies and practices in Nigeria.
