The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has concluded mock examinations for more than 284,000 students who are set to take the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
These candidates have been sitting for the examination across nine states in the country, with the mock exercise aimed at familiarizing them with the examination format and procedures.
According to Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB's head of information, the mock examination is a crucial step in the UTME process, helping candidates to get accustomed to the examination environment and procedures.
The JAMB mock examination is a welcome development, especially for students who may be taking the UTME for the first time. However, the fact that over 284,000 candidates are sitting for the examination raises concerns about the preparedness of the country's education system to handle the large number of students seeking admission into tertiary institutions. The implication is that many students may struggle to secure admission, given the limited slots available in these institutions. The UTME process is a critical determinant of a student's future academic prospects, and it is essential that the government and relevant stakeholders take steps to improve the system and ensure that all students have equal opportunities to succeed. The JAMB mock examination is a good starting point, but more needs to be done to address the underlying issues in the education sector.
