Professor Ishaq Oloyede, registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said that JAMB is the largest user of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the world.
Oloyede claimed there is nowhere in the world where examinations are conducted for over 2 million candidates simultaneously, except in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalists at the 2024 International Week and 17th Annual Research Conference held at the University of Lagos, with the theme “Inclusive Digital Transformation and the University Promise,” Oloyede added that the United States, United Kingdom, and India cannot be compared to Nigeria regarding the use of ICT.
He stated, “The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, is the largest user of ICT in the world for registration and examination. It might be difficult for people to realize that there is nowhere else where we conduct entry examinations for about 2 million candidates at once. Not in India, not in the US, not in the UK, nowhere but in Nigeria. Though we are federal, by constitution, we are supposed to be federal, but in operation, we function like a military system. In other places, they are decentralized; that is not the case in Nigeria.”
“Having said that, I also want to emphasize that right from registration, we utilize ICT for the registration of candidates. This includes both protective and detective mechanisms to address any infractions in the registration process. Furthermore, we conduct examinations for about 2 million candidates using computer-based testing, which is part of our digitization efforts. Additionally, regarding admissions, we ensure that all candidates receive fair treatment.
“Nobody will be mistreated or unfairly considered when it comes to admissions. Everyone will be treated impeccably because we use automation for this process. We have what we call the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), through which candidates are arranged and processed, ensuring that no candidate receives less than their due.”
Speaking on the use of Artificial Intelligence, he noted that everyone must be cautious of online sources, emphasizing that not everything from online platforms is accurate. He stated, “Those of you who have ChatGPT, just type ‘give me 15 past Vice Chancellors of the University of Lagos’ and see if it gives you an accurate answer. I tested it myself and found a great level of inaccuracy. Let us be sure before we use these tools. Recently, I gave a lecture at the University of Ilorin titled ‘AI and the Future of Humanities.’ I made it clear that we cannot help but rely on artificial intelligence, but we must do so with natural intelligence.”
