By Nnabugwu Chizoba
If you call it misrepresentation,
misperception, misunderstanding, confusion, or controversy, it is possible that
you may not have sufficiently captured, described, interpreted or explained the
scenario, events, and circumstances, indeed the various feelings, and
outpouring of emotions that surrounded and have trailed the process of
registration of 2017 JAMB UTME, and the introduction of a new package by the
Board.
The fact that the new package as
designed and brought on board by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board
(JAMB), towards the successful conduct of the 2017, Unified Tertiary
Matriculation Examination, (UTME) is an improvement of the existing system, and
intended to impact the society positively, did not remove the controversy.
You will recall that a section of
the media, reported that:
“The Joint Admission and
Matriculation Board, (JAMB), has announced its resolve to abolish Computer
Based Test (CBT), method for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME,
due to low computer literacy level of candidates”.
Many people that came across the report
embraced it immediately, probably due to the reason advanced by the reporters
for the abolishment of the CBT examination.
The above report, though
misleading, untrue and deceptive could not have been motivated by the desire to
lie, mislead or cause confusion. I say this quite aware that I may not be
speaking the mind of some people, especially those who view the development
differently.
While respecting the opinion of
such people, which as a matter of fact, is their right to differ from me on
this issue or on any other one for that matter, I consider it a bit callous,
unfair or bias to think or rather conclude that the intention of the authors of
the above report was to out rightly deceive the members of the public. This is
one position, I definitely will find difficult to compromise. This is not to
say that I am holding brief for the authors or any other person or Institution.
Similarly, it will not only be out
of place, but equally nonsensical, irresponsible, irrational, unkind and silly,
if I argue that what was achieved from the said report was not the unintended
negative impression.
If you followed the issues as they
unfolded, concerning this year’s UTME, you will recall that, soon after the
above report was circulated, a rejoinder by another section of the media read:
“The Joint Admissions and
Matriculation Board (JAMB), has described as “misleading” reports that it had
dumped the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation
Examination (UTME)”.
It is not my intention to dwell
further on the reports, believing that an insight is already created concerning
the controversy that the 2017 JAMB UTME has generated. This is beside the
controversy that trailed the registration process of the same examination. This
does not deserve any space here because of the so much publicity that it
attracted while the controversy lasted and the focus of this discourse.
Aware of the Nigeria system, I
cannot disregard the fact that our underdevelopment, backwardness and general
apathy are the direct consequences of the failure to deliver our programmes,
projects and policies successfully. To this end I will switch to the purpose of
this piece, which is to strengthen records, as they relate to the JAMB UTME CBT
Examinations, make them easier and more understood by UTME candidates, particularly,
those from the rural communities and others who may be considered computer
illiterates.
First and foremost, it is very
important for the UTME candidates, to bear in mind that the CBT examination, as
far JAMB, is concerned has come to stay. My focus, principally is to guide the
candidates on the use of the 8 computer keys that UTME candidates will rely
upon during the CBT examination, without necessarily deploying the services of
the computer mouse.
The idea behind the introduction of
the new package is not to condemn the use of the computer mouse, or deny its
importance, but indeed to expand the chances of success in the JAMB UTME
examination by those considered disadvantaged, due to their low computer
literacy level.
You will recall that JAMB, recently,
introduced a new package, described in this piece of work, as a friendly
innovative tool. The objective, which was widely circulated is to demystify the
computer mouse, and eradicate the challenges posed by computer illiteracy and the
phobia for mouse by some candidates.
By this development, the UTME
candidates for 2017, especially those without vast knowledge of the computer,
have been provided an opportunity to enhance their performance in the UTME examination.
To this extent, JAMB, have considered very seriously, the challenges posed by the
CBT to the low computer literate candidates. By this act, JAMB, apart from recognizing
the plight of candidates who fall under this category, have also taken steps
towards addressing the identified challenges.
On this note, it makes sense to
delve into the basic ideas essential to help candidates gain the confidence,
and frame of mind necessary to understand and embrace the newly introduced 8
Keys package wholly, and to also be able to operate it efficiently during the CBT
Examination, later in the year.
In summary, therefore, the JAMB
UTME computer keys is comprised of 8 independent English letters that I have classified
into two categories namely:
- The answer selection keys and
- The navigation keys
The Answer selection keys, are four (4), namely: A, B, C, D. Similarly,
the Navigation keys, are also
four (4), in number, made up of: P, N, S, R.
The below is provided to enhance
understanding and ensure better performance by the candidates:
Answer selection keys
S/NO
|
KEY
|
ACTION REQUIRED
|
1
|
A
|
Press key “A” if the answer to any question is A
|
2
|
B
|
Press key “B” if the answer to any question is B
|
3
|
C
|
Press key “C” if the answer to any question is C
|
4
|
D
|
Press key “D” if the answer to any question is D
|
Navigation keys
S/NO
|
KEY
|
ACTION REQUIRED
|
5
|
P
|
Press key “P” if you wish to go to the PREVIOUS Question
|
6
|
N
|
Press key “N” if you wish to go to the NEXT Question
|
7
|
R
|
Press key “R” if you wish to REVERSE your operation
|
8
|
S
|
Press key “S” if you wish to SUMMIT
|
This looks interesting and a
welcome development. All a candidate
needs do is to master the 8 keys and the functions assigned to the keys. The
next is to be able to manipulate the keys effectively and efficiently, and the
candidate is good to go.
This is not to undermine, the
pressure and enormous challenge faced by those at the rural areas, especially
the ones interfacing with the computer for the first time, instead it is
intended to spur them to understand that it is a doable project.
Commitment by the low computer
literate candidates to understand the JAMB UTME package, supported by active
reading/study, querying knowledge acquired, observing rest at appropriate
intervals, playing when necessary, obeying instructions and complying with
rules guiding the conduct of the exam, there is every tendency that the threat
of the CBT examination is already a foregone agenda.
Generally speaking, it is important
to note that this project is a collective one. The collaboration of various community
leaders and well-meaning citizens is required. Individuals in the various
communities, groups, and institutions that own computer(s), should volunteer to
educate candidates from their communities and within.
In conclusion, it is important to
observe here that the success of the UTME policy, and any policy, for that matter
will require deliberate efforts at taping the abundant resources hidden in the
crowd. This precious resource is indisputably, divinely provided, graciously
spread, always available, rarely utilized, and heavily spiced; but requires the
skill, ingenuity, commitment, understanding and collaboration of Nigerian leaders
and the masses to unravel, harness and maximally utilized.
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