Reps probe JAMB over cut-off marks

The House of Representatives has commenced an investigation into the recent reduction of cut-off marks for admissions into tertiary institutions by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

JAMB had in August, after a meeting with heads of tertiary institutions and other stakeholders announced the reduction of cut-off marks for entry into universities to 120 marks, while those of polytechnics and colleges of education were pegged to 100 marks.

But the House said the decision was bound to lower standards of education in tertiary institutions as many candidates that “performed woefully in UTME examination could secure admission through nepotism, bribery and corruption,” thereby denying excellent candidates the opportunity.

The House therefore mandated the committee on tertiary education and services to investigate the circumstances that led to the reduction of the cut-off marks and report back within four weeks.

Meanwhile, the Senate yesterday resolved to organise a stakeholders’ summit to look into the regulatory conflict between JAMB and universities in offering admission in the country.

The resolution followed a motion by Senator Umaru Kurfi (APC, Katsina). Kurfi noted that while the executive introduced the Post-UME policy as a remedy to the decay in educational standard in higher institutions of learning, there have been public outcry of extortion of candidates after they pass through JAMB tests.

Senate resolved to organize the summit to review the issue of JAMB/ Post-UTME conflict within a month.