JAMB Proctor Reveals Widespread Computer Illiteracy Among 2026 UTME Candidates
A senior lecturer from Al-Hikmah University in Kwara State, serving as a proctor for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, has highlighted a significant issue affecting many candidates: widespread computer illiteracy. Sanusi Lafiagi, a lecturer in Islamic Studies at the Ilorin-based institution, described his observations during the examination as surprising and concerning.
Candidates Struggle with Basic Computer Operations
In a detailed post on his Facebook page, Lafiagi explained that numerous teenagers taking the UTME faced difficulties with fundamental computer tasks, despite their familiarity with smartphones and social media platforms. He noted that many candidates required step-by-step guidance on how to use basic input devices like the mouse and keyboard during the test.
One particularly striking incident involved a candidate who complained that her mouse was not working. Upon investigation, Lafiagi discovered that she had been moving the mouse in the air instead of placing it on a surface, highlighting a severe lack of practical computer knowledge.
Impact on Examination Performance
The lecturer linked part of the problem to low participation in the mock examinations organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, which are designed to familiarize candidates with the computer-based format. He reported that poor navigation skills led to significant time management issues during the actual exam.
- One candidate spent over an hour on a single subject and mistakenly ended the session before attempting others.
- Another candidate was logged out of the system after failing to manage time effectively, further emphasizing the need for better preparation.
Call for Early Computer Literacy Training
Lafiagi urged parents and educational institutions to prioritize computer literacy for children before they complete secondary school. He warned that proficiency with smartphones does not equate to competence with computers, which are increasingly essential for academic assessments in Nigeria.
"Back in the days, I enrolled myself for computer training at Zerox and learned typing with Mavis Beacon, which I later installed on my laptop. Within a month of training, I started typing 40 words per minute. I became so proficient in typing that I personally typed my Masters and PhD theses," Lafiagi shared, reflecting on his own experience to underscore the value of dedicated training.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Education
The lecturer emphasized that computer-based testing is becoming more common in Nigerian educational institutions, including some secondary schools. He called for schools to introduce practical computer training at early stages of education to better prepare students for future assessments and academic demands.
This revelation comes amid JAMB's efforts to maintain examination integrity, including strict guidelines on banned items in UTME halls. Candidates are advised to comply fully with these rules to avoid disqualification, with only an HB pencil and examination slip permitted in Computer-Based Test centers.
