Abuja, Nigeria – March 5, 2025 – In a move to restore education opportunities for inmates, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to reinstate computer-based test (CBT) centres in Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) facilities, after suspending them over cases of examination malpractice.
The affected prison-based CBT centres in Kaduna, Lagos, and Ilorin were previously shut down due to reported unethical activities that compromised the integrity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). However, following discussions with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) leadership, JAMB has agreed to lift the suspension under new conditions.
JAMB’s Decision to Lift the Suspension
On February 28, 2025, the Acting Controller-General of the NCoS, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, met with JAMB’s Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, at JAMB’s headquarters in Abuja to address concerns over the integrity of UTME exams in correctional facilities.
During the meeting, JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to supporting inmates who wish to further their education while ensuring that examination malpractices are completely eliminated from the process.
“We believe in giving second chances to rehabilitated inmates who want to reintegrate into society through education,” said Professor Oloyede. “However, we must ensure that examination integrity is not compromised.”
New Measures to Prevent Malpractice
To prevent future irregularities, JAMB has established a four-member committee that will develop fresh guidelines for operating CBT centres in correctional facilities.
These measures will include:
✔ Stricter monitoring of candidates and officials at prison-based CBT centres
✔ Enhanced security and technology to detect malpractice
✔ Collaboration with NCoS officials to ensure compliance
Nigerian Correctional Service Applauds JAMB’s Support
The Acting Controller-General of the NCoS, Sylvester Nwakuche, commended JAMB for giving inmates a second chance at education. He emphasized that several prisoners have successfully reintegrated into society through education, thanks to collaborations between correctional facilities and academic institutions like JAMB and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN).
“Our facilities currently house over 80,000 inmates, with about 53,000 awaiting trial and over 3,800 on death row,” Nwakuche revealed. “Many of these individuals are eager to rebuild their lives, and education is a major tool for rehabilitation.”
A Step Toward Rehabilitation Through Education
By reinstating CBT centres for inmates, JAMB is ensuring that rehabilitated individuals are not denied the opportunity to acquire higher education. However, the focus remains on eliminating malpractice and ensuring exam integrity.
With the new guidelines expected to tighten security and monitoring, JAMB is sending a clear message: education is a right, but it must be earned fairly.