JAMB proposes critical thinking assessments and admission reforms

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is exploring reforms to its examination and admission processes. A newly inaugurated committee, led by psychometrician Prof. Nwogu, is investigating the inclusion of critical thinking and life skills in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This initiative aims to assess candidates' reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities alongside traditional academic requirements.

Registrar Prof. Segun Aina stated that these changes are intended to complement, rather than replace, existing academic assessments. The board is also working to improve transparency and reduce candidate anxiety by providing more detailed admission tracking. Under the revised system, applicants can receive clearer information on applications still being processed, moving beyond simple ‘not admitted’ notifications.

Additionally, JAMB has partnered with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to resolve inconsistencies in candidate records and prevent identity manipulation. The board is also implementing technical updates that allow candidates to update contact information, such as email addresses and phone numbers, to improve the overall registration and admission experience.