Reps ask JAMB to extend UTME registration by two weeks over economic hardship

The House of Representatives has requested that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) prolong the deadline for registering for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) by two weeks.

This decision was reached after the adoption of a motion put forward by Bello Shinkafi, a lawmaker from Zamfara state.

The registration for the 2024 UTME began on January 15 and ended on February 26, with the examination scheduled to take place between April 19 and 29.

Shinkafi, in presenting the motion, cited the challenging economic conditions in the country as a reason for extending the registration deadline.

He emphasized that many families have been financially constrained, preventing them from registering their children before the deadline.

Shinkafi expressed concern that without an extension, numerous candidates would be unable to register and participate in the examination.

He proposed that a two-week extension would encourage more parents to register their children for the UTME and demonstrate confidence in the current administration.

The motion was approved via a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, the speaker of the house.