By Babatunde Ayedoju
To ensure the transparency and credibility of the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, has led a high-level monitoring team across the state’s three senatorial districts.
According to the Press Officer of the Ministry, Bisi Lawani, the monitoring exercise, aimed at verifying the seamless conduct of the examination, began at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) headquarters in Akure.
Speaking during the visit, Ajibefun commended the orderly and peaceful atmosphere observed at various Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers.
The commissioner expressed appreciation for the robust security measures put in place by JAMB.
He noted that the efforts are vital not only for student safety, but also for instilling the core values of academic integrity in the candidates.
The state Coordinator of JAMB, Mr Abdulkadir Abdulakim, highlighted several key updates regarding this year’s exercise. He said the UTME is scheduled to run from April 16 to April 25, 2026.
He noted that Ondo State has recorded a significant turnout of candidates across all designated centers.
He also informed that a new, non-compromisable browser has been deployed for technical officers which he said is designed to be hack-proof, ensuring that the examination process remains shielded from external interference.
Abdulakim urged parents and guardians to play an active role by encouraging their wards to prepare diligently, emphasising that preparation is the primary key to success.
Feedbacks from candidates have been overwhelmingly positive, with many lauding the user-friendly interface and the overall seamlessness of the process.
The centres visited by the commissioner were JAMB office, State Library centre, Idris Premier Secondary School, FUTA and Elizade University CBT centres.