The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB has explained why it introduced mock examination in its plan of action preparatory to the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scheduled for May 20, 2017.


The board said it was worried at the way some candidates, particularly those not conversant with computers, fail the exams, not because they were not studious enough but because they lack the basic knowledge of how the computer-based test (CBT) exam works.


JAMB spokesman, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said the mock exam, though not compulsory, was meant to acquaint interested candidates with the new CBT exam adopted by JAMB a few years ago for the conduct of matriculation exams.


He encouraged candidates to take advantage of the window to familiarise themselves with the workings of CBT, to avoid unnecessary mistakes during the examination, which could affect their chances of securing admission.


“The board will mount a mock examination in all the accredited CBT centres, to prepare and familiarise interested candidates with the CBT environment. Interested candidates are advised to indicate their interest in the mock examination during the registration process.


“The CBT centres are allowed to collect through their CBT centre bank accounts, a separate N700 only for this exercise after notification of centre has been received by the candidate. The payment for mock examination shall be made to the centres to which the candidate is assigned after the notification of assigned centres for the mock examination,” he explained


The board also announced that it would sell the UTME application documents between March 20 and April 19, 2017.

“Upon purchase of the form, candidates would be issued with e-bronchure, video messages, e-syllabus and other easy and self-directory materials that would give candidates step-by-step guide for successful completion of the application form,” the board said.


While warning candidates against registering at centres other than JAMB-accredited CBT centres and state offices, the board maintained that not complying with guidelines would automatically disqualify candidates.