UTME: We are not afraid of Computer-Based Test, say Nasarawa candidates

SOME candidates who registered to write the 2015 Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examinations (UTME) in Nasarawa State say they are not afraid to write the Computer-Based Test.

Speaking to NAN in Keffi Local Government Area of the state on Monday, the candidates said that they had prepared for the examination and expressed optimism they they would succeed.

One of the candidates, Angbashim Mathew, told NAN that he had fully prepared to write the examination, adding that he was computer literate.

“If the UTME examination is today, I am not afraid of the examination. I am well prepared; I have read my books; by the grace of God I will make it.

“I enrolled for computer training in 2014 as soon as I completed my SSCE before JAMB introduced the new system; so there is nothing to be afraid of.

“The most important thing is for me to read books so that with the knowledge of the computer, it will be easy for me to pass the examination,’’ he said.

Another candidate, Zainab Danjuma said:“I advise people to go with full confidence; as far as I am concerned, I have confidence to write the examination. I am well prepared for the examination.

“I have studied hard and acquired the necessary skills in Information Technology to enable me to operate a computer system.

“When I learnt that the paper-pencil test earlier in use in writing the JAMB examination had been cancelled, I quickly enrolled myself in a three-month computer programmme.

“I also did not want to lack computer knowledge because without it, one cannot be successful in life, especially this computer era.

“You cannot be a banker, a lecturer, a researcher, a scientist if you are not computer literate, so the new system will help to improve people in IT system,” she said.

Nathaniel Alaku, another candidate, said that the computer-based examination would also make students to be more computer literate and increase development in the country.

“It was announced by JAMB that this year’s UTME will be strictly computer-based, so it is expected of the entire candidates to go for computer knowledge to avoid failure.”

He commended JAMB for the introduction of the CBT, considering its numerous benefits to candidates.

He, however, appealed to JAMB to consider students in the rural areas who might not have access to computer.

NAN reports that the over 1.4 million registered candidates are writing the 2015 UTME nationwide between March 9 and March 21 in 400 centres. (NAN)