The House of Representatives has passed a resolution appealing directing the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to extend the registration period for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) by an additional two weeks.
According to the House, the appeal is borne out of the prevailing economic situation being experienced by families across Nigeria.
Fuel subsidy removal and the FX market volatility have combined to push up the cost of living in the country.
This decision follows the adoption of a motion raised by Hon. Hassan Shinkafi, representing the Shinkafi/Zurmi Federal Constituency in Zamfara State.
While making the presentation, Hon. Shinkafi highlighted the economic challenges faced by many families in the country, which have hindered their ability to register their children for the UTME within the current time frame.
It could be recalled that the UTME registration exercise, which commenced on January 15, was originally scheduled to end on February 26, 2024.
However, Hon. Shinkafi emphasized that extending the registration period is crucial to ensure broader participation in the examination.
He emphasized that without an extension, many candidates would be unable to register and participate in the UTME, resulting in reduced coverage and participation nationwide, adding thst the argued that extending the registration period would encourage parents of economically disadvantaged students to register their children for the examination.
In response to Hon. Shinkafi’s motion, the House of Representatives urged JAMB to extend the registration period by two weeks while the relevant committees on Education and Legislative Compliance have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with the extension directive.
