Minister backs varsities on post-UTME test

The Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufai, has said the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board and universities are empowered by law to screen candidates seeking admission into universities.This, she said, made it possible for both bodies to operate side by side with a view to ensuring that only the best secured admission into institutions of higher learning.Rufai said this while inaugurating the Test Development Complex constructed by JAMB in Bwari, Abuja.The minister said, It would not be out of place on occasion like this to speak on the issue of the postUTME, which has generated much interest in recent time. As I had stated at other fora and without prejudice to the outcome of the present efforts of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, may I quickly add that the Federal Ministry of Education recognises the vital role of JAMB, especially being the agency legally empowered to place suitably qualified candidates into our tertiary institutions.JAMB has a legal backing to conduct examination and regulate admission of tertiary institutions. In essence, JAMB serves as clearing house. On the other hand, universities also have the right to screen students they admit.Therefore, there is no contradiction in the law. This is not in contention and shall not be compromised.Meanwhile, as we grapple with the issue of quality control, it would only do the system a lot of good if JAMB interfaces appropriately with authorities of tertiary institutions in the spirit of the collaboration clause in its enabling law.It is my belief that any effort at achieving this objective should be seen as one directed at giving the Nation the best without compromising the rule of law on which this administration firmly stands.Rufai said both were necessary to ensure that the system brought out the best without compromising the rule of law.
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