UTME 2012 Online Registration

When a couple of years ago JAMB introduced online registration for its then UME examination, a lot of Nigerians were happy. This was because JAMB online registration made it easy and convenient to register for JAMB examinations. That is why we think that the requirement by JAMB that UTME 2012 registration can only be done at accredited centres is unfortunate.

Reports from various prospective UTME 2012 candidates suggest that one cannot register for JAMB UTME 2012 without going to an accredited JAMB registration centre. We also visited the JAMB UTME
Registration website and saw the instruction Registration can ONLY be done at Accredited Registration Centres boldly written.

This limitation negates the spirit of the internet. The philosophy behind putting services online is to give people easy, fast, and convenient access to services. One can from anywhere, at home, in the office, or even while on the move access those services using any appropriate device.

Accessing services online also provides privacy. For example, why should I trust a cyber cafe attendant to keep my information (which could include email, name, photo, and phone number) private? What if my data enters into the wrong hand like stalker who could start stalking me on Facebook or a spammer/scammer, who could start sending unsolicited emails and SMS.

So, by creating a 'walled garden' through her so called accredited registration centres, JAMB has denied all UTME 2012 candidates the convenience and privacy that the internet gives. In fact, JAMB might as well remove the services online and just direct UTME 2012 candidates to designated centres were they will fill paper forms. I bet you it will even be faster that way.

There is no point having a service online if I have to go to a specific point to access the service. It does not make sense to me. That is why we call on JAMB to avoid such nonsensical registration method for JAMB UTME 2013.

A Better UTME Registration Approach

We understand why JAMB wants to accredit business centres involved in UTME registration. They want to ensure that UTME centres have the right tools and to protect UTME candidates from exploitation. JAMB also wants to closely monitor registration centres. However, all these can be achieved without denying me my right to privacy and convenience on the internet.

The solution is to have two types of accounts: a personal account and a business account. A personal account will only allow owner of such account to register only a few people say from 1 to 5 candidates, while a business account will be targeted at the so called Accredited centres and they can register unlimited number of candidates.

This solution enables JAMB to monitor registration centres without disabling people who have the tools and knowledge to complete UTME registration at their own convenience. This solution or a complete reversal is worth considering by JAMB for UTME 2013 registration. What do you think?