JAMB AND NEEDLESS CONFUSION

JAMB and the new management's desire to do things differently. It is
possible that the new dates and methods being proposed could bring
enormous relief to parents and their children, as well as the many
examination authorities in the country. But, given the change in JAMB
leadership at a crucial and demanding time in the examination body's
calendar, it would have been much better if
the new leadership went ahead with previous plans for the 2017/2018
session while it took time in preparing for the revolutionary changes
it had in mind for the 2018/2019 academic session. Candidates and
their parents have enough reasons to
be apprehensive about the
examination proper, given that the sale of forms itself is so enmeshed
in delays and
confusion. Reforms are good and may in fact be healthy for progress.
But timing is also crucial. Before the previous management
transited from pencil and paper format, it allowed not only enough
gestation time, it also embarked on sufficient enlightenment
programmes to ensure the examinations did not miscarry. Even then,
there were still teething problems. It is expected that the new
management, having caused this
needless and apprehensive delay, will moderate its appetite for
revolutionary changes in the conduct of the examination
proper.