Education stakeholders have urged the newly appointed Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Segun Aina, to improve access, fairness, inclusiveness, and technological efficiency in the conduct of examinations nationwide.

Stakeholders spoke during separate interview on Friday in Abuja following Mr Aina’s appointment as registrar of the examination body.

The National President of the Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria (PTA), Bonyface Odeh, described the appointment of the 39-year-old professor as appropriate, emphasising that age should not be a barrier to leadership.

“A professor in Nigeria is a professor all over the world. If he is qualified to become a professor, then he is qualified to hold any public office entrusted to him,” he said.

Mr Odeh, however, urged the new registrar to address challenges associated with the computer-based test examination system, especially inadequate access to computers in many secondary schools.

“We do not have computers in many secondary schools in Nigeria. A child who has never seen a computer before is expected to sit for a university admission examination using a computer. That is a serious challenge,” he said.

He added that while the CBT policy was commendable, schools must first be equipped with computers to enable students acquire basic digital skills before examinations.

The PTA president also called for more flexible policies regarding correction of candidates’ personal details, including names and age, noting that genuine registration mistakes should be accommodated without unnecessary bottlenecks.

“Nobody is above mistakes. If a child makes an error in spelling or arrangement of names, there should be a provision for correction,” he said.

Mr Odeh further urged the Federal Government to ensure fairness and adherence to the federal character principle in appointments into key national institutions.

He expressed optimism that the new registrar would consolidate on the achievements of his predecessor while addressing existing gaps within the examination system.

Also speaking, education analyst, Nathaniel Adamu, described Mr Aina as well-positioned to drive innovation and strengthen JAMB’s operations through technology and modern reforms.

According to him, the new registrar’s educational background and expertise in technology would help improve service delivery and address technical challenges experienced during examinations.

“I believe he is well-positioned because I read a little about his biography when the appointment was announced.

“The young man is up and doing and, with the enthusiasm he has, he will make a positive impact,” he said.

Mr Adamu emphasised that Mr Aina’s relatively young age could work in his favour by enabling him understand the realities and challenges faced by candidates in the digital era.

“We now have a young person who will think the way young people are thinking and bring innovations that will make JAMB better than it has been,” he added.

He also expressed confidence that the incoming registrar would deploy technology-driven solutions to address technical glitches and improve the credibility and efficiency of examinations.

On his part, the Principal of Grace of God Schools, Bassey Bassey, described the appointment of younger persons into educational leadership positions as a positive step capable of driving reforms in the sector.

Mr Bassey said competence, qualifications, and research capacity should take precedence over age in leadership appointments, adding that younger administrators possessed the energy needed to modernise education management.

He urged the new registrar to tackle challenges facing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, including inadequate CBT centres, long travel distances for candidates, and technical failures during examinations.

According to him, stronger collaboration between government and private operators will improve facilities, ensure faster release of results, and create opportunities for candidates through biannual UTME examinations.

The principal commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing younger persons into leadership positions, describing the move as progressive and necessary for national development.

Another principal, Enyi Michael of Maria Assumpta School, said younger leadership would help address modern challenges confronting examination bodies, especially issues relating to hacking and digital system management.

He expressed confidence that the new registrar would introduce reforms capable of correcting some of the abnormalities experienced under the previous administration.

(NAN)