UTME: Candidates, parents laud timely commencement, minimal network problem

Some candidates who participated in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in Lagos on Friday have commended orderly conduct but urged end to network glitches.

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

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

James said: “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.”

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

Daniel said: “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.”

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

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

“Avoid overthinking.

“Clarity and focus will take you far.”

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

Omamadaga said: “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.”

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.

Favour said: “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.”

Favour said that invigilators ensured strict compliance with examination rules.