Education
Unilag Records 95% Success in Non-Physical PUTME – VC
The University of Lagos says its current non-physical Post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (PUTME) has achieved 95 per cent success as against reports in some quarters that it was unreliable and inefficient.
The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof.
Oluwatoyin Ogundipe stated this while conducting newsmen round the facilities used in the conduct of the examination on Monday in Lagos.According to him, the cloud-based computer-based testing solution used for the conduct of the 2020/2021 post UTME of the institution is a versatile, easy to use tool for conducting online computer-based examinations and assessments.
He said that the service ensured that the integrity of the exercise was preserved through the Examination Focus Monitoring feature and Examination Proctoring.
The vice chancellor said that the examination focus monitoring feature ensured that the candidates did not leave the environment of the examination.
He said it also provided a variety of configurable penalty options, in the event that the candidates left the examination environment.
Ogundipe said that the examination proctoring feature provided an interface for invigilators to monitor candidates via video feeds while taking the examination, with the ability to speak with the candidates as well as listen to them.
He said it also provided candidates’ images displayed beside the video to checkmate impersonation, noting that the candidate sessions were also recorded for reference after the examination.
According to the vice chancellor, a total of 21,988 candidates applied for the examination.
He said that as at Saturday, over 15,360 of these candidates had successfully completed the examination.
The don said that so far, over 930 candidates who also participated in the examination had already been flagged for flouting the various rules guiding the test.
He stated that the examination committee would have another view of the video to further ascertain the gravity of the various offences, after which a decision would be reached.
“With the recent happenings regarding the global health challenges, we decided to use the cloud based platform for the examination and I make bold to say that so far, we have recorded not less than 95 per cent success.
“It is done in such a way that candidates can do it wherever they find themselves in the world.
“On the first day of the examination which commenced on Monday Feb. 15, we started with 1,600 candidates, just to serve as a test run of the entire process put in place.
“We had a few complaints that were promptly attended to. Some with more severe cases have been rescheduled to take the examination.
“In fact, as at Saturday too, a total of 225 of the concerned candidates have been rescheduled for the examination on Tuesday, Feb. 23.
“The last day of the examination, which is Tuesday, Feb. 23, has in fact been dedicated for the rescheduling of all such candidates with genuine issues such as poor network and email notifications have been sent out,’’ he said.
The VC said that the university had provided a support email where candidates who had challenges could send their complaints.
He noted that so far, all complaints received had been reviewed and all genuine cases had been rescheduled to take the examinations.
Ogundipe dismissed some reports that the process was faulty and that some candidates were deliberately logged out,
He said that no candidate was logged out during the examination, even when such candidate was found on the web cam cheating.
“Nobody ever logged anybody out. We have seen some of them with mercenaries by them trying to teach them what to write, but we still allowed them to continue with their examination.
“This is even after we bring to their notice, that they are being viewed live through the web cam and microphone enabled devices and that they must not allow anyone around them while the examination was still ongoing.
“The only reason a candidate will be stopped during the examination apart from having network issue, is if the candidate has left the examination for any other application on the device being used to take the examination.
“Despite the fact that candidates were advised not to use mobile devices, many still used mobile devices and when they received phone calls, the call will be recognised as leaving the examination environment.
“The candidates are to access the examination with the provision of the URL, all activities of the candidates are being monitored and recorded.
“Reasonable internet bandwidth and a webcam and microphone enabled device is a requirement for the candidates for this option,’’ he stated.
He stated that so far, candidates have been able to take the examination from their respective locations thereby eliminating the risk of contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease and other travel-related challenges.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the proctors involved in the monitoring of the candidates include the Director, Centre for Information Technology of the university, Sub Deans of Faculties, admission officers and the technical crew.
The examination comes to an end on Tuesday, Feb. 23. (NAN)
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced a slight adjustment to the arrival time for candidates sitting the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, particularly those scheduled for the first session.
In a notice issued via its official X handle on Monday, the board stated that candidates for the first session are now expected to arrive at their examination centres by 7:00 a.
m. , instead of the earlier scheduled 6:30 a.m.JAMB added that the examination will commence at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.
“Attention 2026 UTME Candidates: This is to notify you of a slight adjustment to the arrival scheduled time, particularly for the first session, which is now 7:00am as against the earlier published 6:30am, while the scheduled start time for the session is now 8:30 am and end time 10:30 am,” the notice read.
The board also clarified that candidates are not required to reprint their examination slips following the adjustment.
The full daily timetable, as shared by JAMB, includes four sessions running from Monday to Friday, with adjusted timings across all batches to ensure smoother operations at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.
This adjustment comes in response to long-standing feedback from candidates and parents regarding the challenges of very early morning travel, including safety concerns on roads before dawn and logistical difficulties for those coming from distant locations.
The UTME is scheduled to be held from Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, April 25, 2026.
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Education has announced the commencement of applications for the second cohort of the National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Programme.
The ministry said the programme is part of efforts to boost skills acquisition and tackle unemployment among Nigerian youth.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade on Monday, the ministry said the applications will open on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 4 pm.
It further invited interested Nigerians to participate in the nationwide initiative aimed at strengthening technical capacity, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing job creation.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, described the programme as a key strategy for human capital development.
She said the initiative is designed to equip young Nigerians with industry-relevant skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy.
Alausa said the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, adding that it reflects the administration’s commitment to expanding access to skills-based education and fostering sustainable livelihoods.
He also said the Federal Government is investing in the productive capacity of young people through practical training and recognised certification, creating pathways for self-employment, innovation, and long-term economic growth.
“In strengthening this programme, the Federal Government is investing in the productive capacity of our youth. By providing practical training and recognised certification, we are creating pathways for self-employment, innovation, and long-term economic growth,” the Minister said.
The statement noted that as part of efforts to expand opportunities in emerging sectors, the Ministry is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism to strengthen training in creative and cultural industries, with a view to unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s creative economy.
According to the statement the TVET Programme will provide intensive six-month and one-year hands-on training in accredited centres across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He added that participants will receive a monthly stipend of N22,500 and a nationally recognised certificate upon successful completion.
Boriowo added the training areas include construction, ICT, automotive technology, creative media, agriculture, fashion and garment production, cosmetology, tourism and hospitality, catering services, and leather works.
The Ministry further stated that applicants are required to demonstrate commitment to the programme and must be available for full participation throughout the training period, adding that attendance will be monitored using biometric verification systems, with stipends tied to compliance.
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Nasarawa State University, Keffi over the weekend celebrated its 25th silver jubilee anniversary and combined 8th convocation ceremony, where over 25,000 students were awarded with various academic degrees.
The grand event, held over the weekend at the school main Campus Keffi, was confirmed and honoured with Doctor of Philosophy (PhDs), Master’s degrees, First Degrees, and Postgraduate Diplomas on graduating students across different faculties.
The ceremony also confirmed honorary doctorate degrees on prominent personalities for their contributions to global leadership, business, and development.
Among the prominent personalities honoured were the President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group; and Mahmood Ahmad.
The awards recognised their outstanding contributions to global leadership, development, and their roles in advancing socio-economic development both within Africa and globally.
During the ceremony, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, awarded a cash prize of five hundred thousand Naira (N500,000) each to 82 first-class graduates, while the overall best graduating student was awarded N1 million.
The governor explained that the initiative was designed to promote excellence among students and aligns with the state government’s broader agenda of investing in education and human capital development. According to him, recognising academic achievement is essential in inspiring younger generations to pursue excellence.
Sule emphasised that rewarding hard work and dedication would encourage students across the state to strive for distinction in their academic pursuits. He noted that such incentives serve as a catalyst for improved performance and a stronger educational system.
As part of activities marking the institution’s 8th convocation and 25th anniversary celebrations, the governor commissioned several infrastructure projects at the University.
The newly inaugurated projects include the Alumni Secretariat, the Department of Accounting Postgraduate E-Library, as well as the university’s second gate and access road. He commended the university management for its commitment to infrastructural development and academic excellence.
The two-day celebration attracted a wide array of dignitaries from across Nigeria, including Governors, Ambassadors, Vice-chancellors, professors, traditional rulers, Business Men, and key stakeholders in the education sector.
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, warmly welcomed guests and expressed appreciation to the university’s leadership for their continued support.
She specifically acknowledged the Chancellor, HRH. Shehu Chindo Yamusa the Emir of Keffi, as well as the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Atahiru Jiga, and members of the governing council for their impactful leadership.
Liman credited the institution’s progress to strong governance and visionary leadership, noting that both staff and students have benefitted from an enabling academic environment.
“I have acquired knowledge and experience in this institution due to impactful and good leadership,” she said.
She further urged students to prioritise their education and draw inspiration from the leadership and values upheld by the university. According to her, such commitment is essential for contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s academic advancement and global competitiveness.
“Apply your knowledge positively, contributing to the advancement and educational success of Nigeria and the global community,” she appealed.
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