Some candidates who participated in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Lagos on Friday have commended its orderly conduct but urged an end to network glitches.

A correspondent who visited different Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres on Friday spoke with some candidates and parents.

UTME is conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

Odesola James, a candidate who sat for the examination at Top Flight Engineering CBT Centre, Yaya Abatan Road, Lagos, said the process was seamless.

“It went smoothly. There were no network issues, everything went perfectly.

“They started on time, security was okay, and I was posted to a centre close to my residence,” he said.

Similarly, Anjola Daniel, who wrote her examination at Classic International Schools CBT Centre, Ejigbo, described the exercise as orderly.

“The exam was fair – not too hard and not too easy. There was no network failure. They started in time and security was top-notch. The centre was also close to my house,” she said.

Ms Daniel advised candidates to be calm and confident during the examination.

“Trust your preparation and manage your time wisely by tackling familiar questions first.

“Avoid overthinking; clarity and focus will take you far,” she said.

However, Deborah Omamadaga, who wrote her examination at New Oceans Comprehensive High School CBT Centre, Ayobo, reported delays and discomfort during the accreditation process.

“The exam itself went well, with no computer or network issues, but they started biometrics about two hours behind the scheduled time.

“Candidates and their parents had to pay for seats, while those who couldn’t afford it stood or waited outside on the road until they were called in,” she said.

Ms Omamadaga urged candidates not to attach their self-worth to their UTME scores.

“UTME does not define your intellectual capacity. Regardless of your score, focus on your WASSCE (West African Senior School Certificate Examination) and remain grateful,” she said.

Gracious Favour, who sat for her examination at Perfect Angels CBT Centre, Abule Egba, described her experience as stressful.

“We waited for about 30 minutes. There was a network issue at some point and a system glitch when my cursor stopped working temporarily.

“I also noticed that some answers changed unexpectedly, though this was later resolved,” she said.

Ms Favour said invigilators ensured strict compliance with examination rules.

She advised candidates to study extensively but not define themselves by their scores.

Peter Alabi, who wrote at Lily Pride Comprehensive High School CBT Centre, Igando, said minor technical issues were promptly addressed.

“For the second batch, there were some computer issues, but they were fixed before the next batch. There were no network failures.

“They started late, but security was good and the exam was well organised. However, the centre was a bit far from where I live,” he said.

Mr Alabi advised candidates to remain calm.

“Stay seated and raise your hand if there is a problem with your system. Ensure you eat before arriving, as the process may take time,” he said.

Parents and guardians also expressed mixed feelings over the conduct of the examination.

In interviews, they commended improved security, timely commencement at some centres, and minimal network disruptions.

Some, however, expressed dissatisfaction with delays and alleged extortion.

Funke Okooba, a parent whose child sat for the examination at Classic International Schools CBT Centre, Ejigbo, described the process as satisfactory.

“The exam started in time, there were no technical issues and the environment was well secured.

“That gave parents some confidence in the system,” she said.

Similarly, Kunle Ajasa lauded the proximity of some examination centres to candidates’ residences, saying it reduced transport costs.

However, some parents raised concerns over delays and alleged extortion at some centres.

Bose Dauda said her child waited for a long time before the examination began.

“It is unacceptable that candidates and even parents had to wait for hours outside, with some allegedly paying for seats.

“That kind of situation should not happen in a national examination,” she said.

Sola Akinyemi also expressed concern over reports of technical glitches experienced by some candidates.

“Hearing that some students experienced system issues or answer discrepancies is worrisome.

“JAMB must ensure that such problems are completely eliminated to maintain credibility,” he said.

He advised candidates not to be discouraged by challenges encountered during the examination.

Grace John urged candidates to remain focused on their overall academic goals.

“One exam should not define a child’s future. They should stay confident and continue preparing for other examinations like WASSCE,” she said.

Ibrahim Ogunleye also encouraged candidates to remain calm during the exercise.

“They should follow instructions, avoid panic but report any issues to invigilators immediately,” he said.

The parents called on JAMB to address any lapses and ensure a smoother process in subsequent sessions. 

(NAN)