By Henry Oladele
Some candidates who participated in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) 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.
UTME is conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Mr 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.
“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, Miss 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.
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, Miss 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.
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.
Miss 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.
Favour said that invigilators ensured strict compliance with examination rules.
She advised candidates to study extensively but not define themselves by their scores.
Mr Peter Alabi, who wrote at Lily Pride Comprehensive High School CBT Centre, Igando, said that 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.
Alabi advised candidates to be 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 of them, however, expressed dissatisfaction at delays and alleged extortion.
Mrs 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 secure.
“That gave parents some confidence in the system,” she said.
Similarly, Mr Kunle Ajasa lauded the proximity of some examination centres to candidates’ residences, saying that it reduced transport fares.
However, some parents raised concerns over delays and alleged extortion at some centres.
Mrs Bose Dauda said her child waited for long 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.
Mr 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.
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