JAMB’s “Bring Your Own Device” UTME Plan Sparks Fairness, Safeguarding Concerns
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a new policy that will allow candidates to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) using their personal computers from 2027. The decision was announced by Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions in Abuja.
According to JAMB, the initiative is designed to improve efficiency and reduce technical disruptions often reported by candidates during examinations. Officials also say the system will include a flash drive to limit malpractice and strengthen exam security. They add that the reform will make the process cheaper and easier to manage while improving overall convenience for candidates.
The board also confirmed that additional innovations will be introduced before 2027 to ensure a smoother and more reliable examination process. JAMB says the goal is to modernise testing while maintaining integrity across all centres.
Child Safeguarding and Fairness Concerns
Despite the intended benefits, education and child protection experts have raised concerns about fairness and safeguarding. They warn that the policy may widen inequality between candidates who can afford reliable computers and those who cannot. This, they say, could affect equal access to opportunity in a high-stakes national examination.
Safeguarding advocates also point to risks around supervision and consistency. They argue that personal devices may create uneven testing environments and make it harder to ensure strict oversight during exams. Concerns have also been raised about data security and the possibility of external interference.
Experts stress that examination systems must protect every child’s right to fair assessment. They say reforms should not unintentionally disadvantage students from lower-income backgrounds or weaker digital environments. Instead, they call for stronger safeguards that balance innovation with inclusion.
The announcement comes as JAMB also released the 2026 UTME results, where Jesudunsin Owoeye emerged top scorer with 372 marks. While celebrating academic excellence, stakeholders continue to urge caution as the system moves toward digital reform.
