MASSIVE FAILURE IN UTME (JAM) 2021 WHO IS TO BLAME?

 MASSIVE FAILURE IN UTME (JAMB) 2021, WHO IS TO BLAME?

I read and listened with keen interest many post on social media and conversations among a number of people about the massive failure in the UTME 2021. While Some blamed the system (JAMB Board), others are busy condemning the attitude and seriousness of the candidates.

Those casting blame on the board are proclaiming that the board is trying to reduce competition by failing the candidates because Universities are in a state of dilemma as to how to accommodate the 2020 candidates who are to be absorbed concurrently with the 2021 candidates. This is however, obvious because the Resources available in the universities can not cater for the two sets of JAMB candidates. So to offer admission to all those who excelled in the two years UTME exams is not possible, as such some Universities had to increased their cut of points to be able to give admission to 2020 JAMBitors. But for me, that is not where the problem lies. 

 Those who blame the students (Candidates) on the other hand, posited that the reading culture and seriousness on studies have become 'the thing of the past' among our young generation. While I believe firmly with this assertion, I also feel that the system (the process or criteria for admitting students into Universities needs to be revisited. The REMEDIAL and IJMB programmes that gave us most desired out comes some few years back, are supposed to be considered as criteria for securing admission into higher institutions of learning in this country.

In another dimension, we all are living witnesses to the kind of moral decadence in our society today. Secondary school students of today are organizing parties, attending night clubs, spending large percentage of their time on social media while neglecting their books. It will interest you also to know that, today in our secondary schools, you can see a student that do not attend classes, had never 'burnt the night candles' let's along bother to learn how JAMB questions are to be attempted to. 

Finally, I think all hands most be on deck to curb the menace of massive examination failure in our society so that we can have a better generation of future elders.  Government, teachers, parents, community leaders and most importantly, the students themselves most change their thinking and attitude towards studies.

May Almighty Allah have mercy on us all!

Sani Rabiu.