A nongovernmental organization, the African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support, (CHARS-Africa) on Friday demanded for adequate compensation for trauma, financial loss, and inconvenience suffered by affected candidates over the human and technical errors of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s UTME examination that now necessitated a re-sit for about 380,000 candidates.
In a statement signed by CHARS-Africa Executive Director, Amaka Biachi, Esq., the Group expressed her profound disappointment and condemnation over the recent failure of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, affecting nearly 380,000 candidates.
The group in the statement issued in Aba, Abia State, and made available to DECENCY GLOBAL NEWS, said “This incident is a national crisis and a blatant manifestation of institutional carelessness.”
CHARS-Africa then made four demands and urged the federal government to monitor it’s implementation.
”Trust-building in institutional systems like JAMB is paramount, especially concerning our youths. In light of current economic challenges, CHARS-Africa demands:
1. Adequate compensation for trauma, financial loss, and inconvenience suffered by affected candidates.
2. Logistical support for candidates traveling long distances to retake the examination.
3. Provision of educational materials, including data, required for the said rescheduled examination.
4. Accountability and prosecution of personnel responsible for this failure to restore trust and serve as a deterrent,” it stated.
The statement said “CHARS-Africa calls on JAMB and relevant authorities to address these demands immediately. We’ll monitor the situation, and the government should hold accountable those responsible for this gross misconduct.”
The NGO stated unequivocally that “The emotional and psychological toll on affected students, including reports of severe trauma and even death, is alarming. JAMB’s excuse for this monumental failure is unacceptable, given their ample time and resources to prepare for this critical examination.”
CHARS-Africa concluded that her demands are based on well known and articulated legal framework which are:
”Our demands are based on:
1. Section 18 of the Constitution: Guarantees the right to education and dignity.
2. Section 44 of the Constitution: Protects citizens’ right to fair hearing and administrative justice.
3. JAMB Act: Mandates fair, transparent, and efficient conduct of entrance examinations.
4. Consumer Protection Laws Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018: Provides for consumer complaints, redress, and investigation.”
