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JAMB to Test Critical Thinking, Problem-solving Skills in UTME, Says Registrar
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Published 10/21/2026 10:30:38 PM
JAMB to Test Critical Thinking, Problem-solving Skills in UTME, Says Registrar – THISDAYLIVE
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said it will no longer assess candidates on textbook knowledge alone, saying plans are underway to test critical thinking and life skills in the UTME.
Registrar of JAMB, Professor Segun Aina, said a committee led by psychometrician Professpr Boniface Nworgu, was working out how to measure reasoning, decision-making, and problem-solving as part of admission requirements.
Aina spoke yesterday at the board’s Abuja Zonal Office during an interaction with UTME candidates as part of its 2026 Customer Week.
He said professionals, like doctors, need sound judgment and understanding of consequences beyond technical knowledge, and universities needed to know if candidates could apply knowledge to real-life situations.
He stressed that the proposal was still under consideration, adding that if approved, JAMB would set up a panel of experts to develop the implementation framework.
Aina stated that JAMB will not replace academic requirements, but complement them.
He also said JAMB was reforming its operations to “build trust and reduce trauma” for candidates.
Aina said, “Candidates will now get detailed admission status updates instead of vague ‘not admitted’ or ‘admission in progress’ messages.
“Easier update of phone numbers and email addresses when candidates lose access to old contacts.
“Stronger collaboration with NIMC to allow legitimate correction of names and personal data, while blocking identity fraud. Fraudulent attempts will attract legal action.”
Aina said his administration was consolidating reforms started by his predecessor, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, particularly in technology deployment.
He defended the harmonised exam timetable, saying though it shortens preparation time, it ensures timely release of results for admission.
He stated, “Don’t forget, we are popular for the exams, but the exam is not our only mandate. Our core, the exam, is a means to an end. Our core is the admissions exercise itself.
“The people we serve don’t need to know anybody to get admission. It is our job to stand and moderate the interaction between candidates and institutions and make sure they get their rightful places.”
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Jobberman Nigeria, Nigeria’s leading career development and recruitment solutions company, has launched ‘Her Next Move’, a campaign designed to empower young Nigerian women with practical skills and confidence to pursue career opportunities and participate more fully in the workforce.
Through free online training, the initiative supports women aged 18 to 35 as they prepare to enter the workplace, advance into better roles or explore freelance and gig work.
Built around the message ‘Your Future. Your Skills. Your Move’, the campaign places female inclusion at the centre of career development, encouraging women to take an active role in shaping their professional futures. It connects the ambition to progress with an accessible starting point: learning skills that can help women prepare for their next opportunity.
‘Her Next Move’ recognises that career progress looks different for every woman. For a graduate, it may mean preparing for a first job. For a woman already working, it may involve developing the skills to take on greater responsibility or pursue a new role. For another, it may mean understanding how to navigate freelance work and participate in the global gig economy. The campaign brings these aspirations together through a shared emphasis on learning, preparation and action.
This Initiative by Jobberman in partnership with Mastercard Foundation promotes two courses: Jobberman Soft Skills Training and Becoming a Successful Global Gig Worker. Both courses are free, with a free certificate upon successful completion.
Jobberman Soft Skills Training focuses on workplace readiness, helping participants build the professional skills needed to navigate work and prepare for career progression. Becoming a Successful Global Gig Worker introduces participants to the demands and opportunities of freelance and gig work, supporting women interested in exploring career paths beyond traditional employment.
By making the training and certification available at no cost, ‘Her Next Move’ reduces the financial barrier to participation and encourages more young women to invest in their professional development. Its focus extends from raising awareness of learning opportunities to helping participants follow through and complete their chosen course.
To bring the campaign to life, Jobberman is working with young creators who are sharing personal stories about ambition, career transitions and the role of learning in their journeys. Through videos, social media posts and follow-up conversations, the creators encourage young women to reflect on their own goals and identify the practical steps they can take towards them.
These stories are intended to make career development relatable, connecting everyday aspirations with opportunities to learn. Across the campaign, the question “What is your next move?” invites women to define progress for themselves and begin preparing for it.
‘Her Next Move’ reinforces Jobberman’s and Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to supporting career development and expanding access to learning for young Nigerian women. By combining free skills training with relatable storytelling and encouragement to take action, the campaign seeks to help more women feel prepared to pursue their ambitions.
