The recent cautionary note from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) serves as a wake-up call to parents and guardians regarding the enrollment of minors in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This warning comes in response to a privacy breach incident involving inappropriate text messages sent to a 15-year-old girl during her registration process.
A Call for Vigilance:
Registrar of JAMB, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, emphasized the importance of vigilance in safeguarding the privacy and well-being of underage candidates. The cautionary stance from JAMB underscores the gravity of privacy breaches and the potential risks associated with enrolling minors in high-stakes examinations.
Addressing the Incident:
In response to a lawsuit filed against JAMB over unsolicited text messages, Prof Oloyede reiterated that the sender of the messages was not affiliated with the Board. He affirmed JAMB’s commitment to addressing the matter appropriately and cooperating with relevant authorities to ensure accountability and justice.
Protecting Privacy:
JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, emphasized the importance of protecting candidates’ privacy and ensuring that sensitive information remains secure throughout the registration process. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for stringent measures to prevent unauthorized access to personal data.
Meeting Legal Challenges:
While responding to the lawsuit, Prof Oloyede expressed readiness to engage with the plaintiff while defending JAMB’s integrity and accountability. He affirmed that the Board would adhere to legal processes and uphold its commitment to transparency and fairness.
Upholding Standards:
The JAMB boss reiterated the importance of upholding age eligibility requirements for UTME registration, emphasizing the need for candidates to meet the prescribed age criteria. This commitment to maintaining standards underscores JAMB’s dedication to ensuring fairness and integrity in the examination process.
Enhancing Security Measures:
In light of the privacy breach incident, JAMB announced plans to enhance security measures at registration centers and enforce strict protocols to prevent unauthorized access. These measures aim to bolster confidence in the registration process and safeguard candidates’ privacy rights.
Promoting Accountability:
Prof Oloyede underscored the importance of accountability and discipline among registration centers, emphasizing the consequences of negligence in enforcing security protocols. JAMB remains committed to holding centers accountable for any lapses that compromise candidates’ privacy and security.
Empowering Parents:
JAMB urged parents to exercise caution and responsibility when registering their children for UTME, emphasizing the need to prioritize maturity and readiness for higher education. By empowering parents with information and guidance, JAMB aims to foster a culture of accountability and informed decision-making.
Ensuring Fairness:
As JAMB continues to address the privacy breach incident and strengthen security measures, the Board remains steadfast in its commitment to fairness, transparency, and integrity in the examination process. Upholding these principles is essential to preserving the credibility and reputation of the UTME.
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Credit:Betsy Ifechukwude.