Stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector are calling for the abolition of the Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, also known as Post-UTME, to improve access to quality higher education. The Post-UTME is a screening test administered by universities and other tertiary institutions to assess a candidate’s suitability for admission, following the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Although the federal government officially scrapped the Post-UTME exam in 2016, some institutions continue to conduct various forms of screening or interviews for candidates. Stakeholders, including educationists, parents, activists, and students, argue that the Post-UTME test is counter-productive and hinders sustainable education development. They claim that the test puts undue pressure on students, making the admission process cumbersome and expensive.
Dr. Langa Hassan, a lecturer at the Federal College of Education in Gombe, emphasizes the need for universities to adopt effective online examination modules to reduce costs and stress for applicants. Muhammad Aminu, a teacher in Dutse, suggests that institutions harmonize the Post-UTME test to ease the burden on candidates, allowing them to take the exam in their hometowns rather than traveling to distant universities.
Many parents and students share similar concerns, citing the high cost of transportation and accommodation, as well as the risks associated with traveling long distances. Salina Moses, a mother in Gombe, recounts how her daughter traveled to ABU Zaria for the Post-UTME test but failed to secure admission, despite the significant expenses incurred.
Some universities have already introduced online screening or Post-UTME exams, allowing candidates to participate from their respective locations. The Federal University of Kashere, for example, subjects candidates to online screening, while the Sa’adu Zungur University in Bauchi State conducts online examinations followed by physical screening.
Experts argue that the Post-UTME exam is crucial in assessing a candidate’s true ability, particularly when there is a disparity between JAMB scores and actual performance. However, they also acknowledge the challenges associated with the exam, including the risk of examination malpractice and the need for alternative examination formats, such as computer-based tests, to reduce costs and improve safety.
Ultimately, the call to scrap the Post-UTME exam highlights the need for a more efficient and student-friendly admission process in Nigeria’s education system. As stakeholders continue to debate the issue, it remains to be seen whether the government and educational institutions will heed the call for reform and work towards creating a more accessible and equitable higher education system.
