JAMB Extorting Poor, Vulnerable Students –Aisha Yesufu Laments

JAMB Extorting Poor, Vulnerable Students –Aisha Yesufu Laments

Aisha Yesufu, A Social commentator and advocate for human rights, recently expressed concerns about the pricing structure of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Yesufu raised the issue of potential financial burden on students, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, and suggested that this could exacerbate educational inequality in the country.

She emphasized that JAMB’s primary role should not be profit generation.

Yesufu’s remarks were prompted by Vice President Kashim Shettima’s statement regarding the substantial revenue generated by JAMB under the leadership of Prof Ishaq Oloyede, the JAMB Registrar.

Shettima made these comments during a public event hosted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), discussing corruption in the public sector and highlighting the significant increase in JAMB’s revenue during Oloyede’s tenure.

Yesufu’s reaction to Shettima’s remarks reflected her belief that JAMB might be imposing excessive financial burdens on Nigerian students.

“Let me say what I have said before. JAMB is not supposed to be a money making organization.

“JAMB making 50bn means JAMB is over charging students.

“I will even call it extortion of poor and vulnerable students and widening the educational inequality gap,” she wrote on her X handle.

This controversy highlights the ongoing discussions about the affordability and accessibility of higher education in Nigeria.