News: Parents want health workers stationed at UTME centres

They also called on JAMB to reconsider the change in the timing of the examination because of the rains.

Source: PeoplesGazette

Some parents have appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to consider the introduction of health personnel during the conduct of its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The parents spoke against the backdrop of some incidents recorded during the first session of the 2022 UTME in some centres on Friday in Lagos.

Over 1.7 million candidates registered for this year’s examination scheduled to hold in about 750 centres nationwide.

They also called on JAMB to reconsider the change in the timing of the examination because of the rains.

Jenny Anagor, who was at the centre with her daughter, scheduled for the 7:00 a.m. session, alleged that a candidate, a sicker, nearly passed out if not for the intervention of some parents.

Mrs Anagor said that the candidate apparently rushed to the centre, having realised that she was behind schedule following the early morning rain.

“You see, in as much as we know it is an examination, we should also look at ways of conducting it with some human face.

“Just like we have security officials and others attached to the centres, I think JAMB should also consider engaging the services of health personnel.

“Even if it is just one nurse with first aid per centre. This will go a long way in taking care of any emergency situation,” she said.

Another parent, Peter Inochie, urged the examination body to consider the possibility of altering the timing of the examination due to insecurity across the country.

Mr Inochie also said there was the need for JAMB to consider moving the examination to the dry season to make it easier for candidates to get to their respective centres.

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