Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Jacob Segun Olatunji
Published on 2024-02-29 17:00:05
The House of Representatives made a significant decision on Thursday as they called for the extension of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration period by two weeks. This call came after the adoption of a motion titled “Need to extend UTME registration by JAMB” which was sponsored by Hassan Shinkafi during the Plenary session presided over by Speaker Hon Tajudeen Abbas.
In his motion, Hon. Shinkafi highlighted the economic challenges facing many families in the country, noting that the current UTME registration timeline, which started on January 15 and ended on February 26, 2024, has been difficult for many families to meet. He emphasized that without an extension by JAMB, numerous candidates would be excluded from participating in the examination, ultimately leading to reduced coverage and participation in this year’s UTME in Nigeria.
The lawmaker also pointed out that an extension of the registration period would particularly benefit the parents of less privileged students, encouraging them to register their children for the UTME. When the motion was put to a voice vote by Speaker Hon Tajudeen Abbas, it received unanimous support from members of the House.
In response to the motion, the House not only urged JAMB to extend the UTME registration by two weeks but also mandated the relevant committees on Education and Legislative Compliance to ensure strict compliance with this directive.
The decision taken by the House of Representatives demonstrates their commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all candidates to participate in the UTME, regardless of their economic circumstances. By extending the registration period, more families, especially those facing financial constraints, will have the opportunity to register their children for the examination.
It is evident that the House recognizes the significance of the UTME in shaping the future of Nigerian students and the need to provide adequate support to ensure a fair and inclusive registration process. This extension will not only benefit candidates who were unable to register within the previous timeframe but also contribute to a more comprehensive coverage and participation in the upcoming UTME.
As the relevant committees work towards enforcing strict compliance with the extension of the registration period, it is expected that JAMB will act swiftly to implement this directive. The collective efforts of the House of Representatives, JAMB, and other stakeholders involved in the UTME registration process will undoubtedly lead to a more inclusive and successful examination exercise.
In conclusion, the decision to extend the UTME registration period by two weeks reflects the House of Representatives’ commitment to promoting access to education and equal opportunities for all candidates. This proactive step underscores the importance of ensuring a level playing field for all students participating in the UTME and sets a positive precedent for future examination cycles.
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