Candidates, parents in Bayelsa want more CBT centres

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May 16, 2017 3:32 PM

Those who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in Yenagoa.

Prospective JAMB examinees.

Some parents and candidates in the on-going Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Bayelsa have called for more centres to ease hardship experienced in sitting for the examination.

Those who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in Yenagoa said creating more centres would help in reducing overcrowding.

NAN gathered that about 250 candidates were participating in each batch of three sessions daily at the centres in Bayelsa.

Among the centres visited by NAN in Bayelsa were University of Otuoke, Imiringi centre, Ogbia Local Government, Linnet Paul Innovation Institute, Etegwe, Kings and Queens College Centre I and II, among others.

Mr Asuquo Clement, a candidate at Kings and Queen Centre II, Agbura, said that there would be no overcrowding if there were enough centres.

Clement, who came from a distant community, frowned at the long wait for his turn to sit for the examination.

He urged the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to establish more centres in the state.

Miss Joy Onu, another candidate at Imiringi centre, said holding three examination sessions daily was stressful, noting that her turn was fixed for 4 p.m. on Tuesday.

Mr Uche Edward, a parent, also urged JAMB to establish more centres across the state and reduce the crowd at least for subsequent examination.

A JAMB official at Kings and Queens College Centre I, who refused to mention his name, said plans were in the offing to establish more centres not only in Bayelsa but across Nigeria.

“We have not stop establishing more centres, we are aware of overcrowding in the centres and the Board is not relenting on improving the number of centres before the next exams,” the officer said.

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