From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), said on Thursday, that it has paid a total sum of N1.4bn to owners of non-JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide for the services they rendered during the 2023 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The figure, it added, was less than N59.5 million that was part of the approved sum meant for JAMB-owned CBT centres.
JAMB spokesman Dr Fabian Benjamin explained in a statement that the Board had noted the need to promptly settle obligations as and when due so as to promote and sustain a cordial working relationship with partners who discharged their duties creditably.
He confirmed that most of the centres used for the examination are not JAMB-owned while some are ICT facilities of tertiary institutions, stressing that the symbiotic relationship between the Board and the privately-owned CBT centres and others is collaborative in nature and designed to ensure better quality service delivery and inclusiveness.
He also confirmed that all CBT centre owners who rendered quality service during the just-concluded examination had been appropriately commended for a job well done and paid accordingly.
“Furthermore, as a responsive organisation, the Board will continue to ensure that every candidate is guaranteed unfettered access to higher education through the provision of a level playing field for all,” he added.
Dr. Benjamin reiterated the resolve of JAMB to continue to leverage state-of-the-art technology, not only to deliver quality assessment but also to protect the integrity of its examinations.