THE UTME DEBATE: TO KEEP OR JETTISON AS A UNIVERSITY ENTRY REQUIREMENT FOR NIGERIAN STUDENTS
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is a standardized test in Nigeria used as a university entry requirement for prospective students. Administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the UTME has been a central part of the Nigerian education system for many years. However, as educational practices and ideologies evolve, there is an ongoing debate on whether to keep or jettison the UTME as a university entry requirement for Nigerian students. This article examines the arguments on both sides of the debate and explores potential alternatives to the UTME.
Standardized Assessment: The UTME serves as a standardized assessment tool that allows universities to compare applicants’ academic readiness on a level playing field. It provides a common benchmark for evaluating students from various schools and regions.
Merit-Based Selection: Proponents argue that the UTME ensures a merit-based selection process, where students are admitted based on their performance in a single, objective examination. This, they believe, promotes fairness and transparency in the admissions process.
Efficient Screening: With a large number of applicants seeking admission to Nigerian universities, the UTME streamlines the screening process by providing a systematic way to assess thousands of candidates within a specific time frame.
Preparation for High-Stakes Exams: The UTME prepares students for the rigor and pressure of high-stakes examinations they may encounter in their academic and professional journeys.
Arguments to Jettison the UTME
One-Size-Fits-All Approach: Critics argue that the UTME adopts a one-size-fits-all approach, neglecting to consider the unique strengths, talents, and abilities of individual students. Some students may excel in practical skills, arts, or vocational areas that are not adequately assessed in the UTME.
Stress and Anxiety: The UTME often creates immense stress and anxiety for students, leading to a culture of rote memorization and cramming rather than a focus on deep learning and understanding.
Limited Assessment Scope: The UTME primarily evaluates students based on their performance in core subjects, neglecting to assess other critical aspects such as creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
Exclusionary Nature: The UTME may inadvertently exclude students from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have access to proper preparation resources or face socioeconomic challenges.
Potential Alternatives
Holistic Admissions: Universities can adopt a holistic admissions approach that considers academic performance, extracurricular activities, leadership experiences, and personal achievements of students. This approach provides a more comprehensive evaluation of a student’s potential and strengths.
Aptitude and Skills Tests: Introducing aptitude and skills tests specific to various disciplines can help universities identify students with talents and abilities beyond traditional academic subjects.
Portfolio Assessment: Implementing portfolio assessment, where students submit samples of their work and achievements, can provide a more accurate representation of their capabilities.
Entrance Interviews: Conducting entrance interviews with prospective students can offer universities an opportunity to assess their communication skills, passion for learning, and alignment with the institution’s values.
The UTME debate highlights the need for continuous improvement in the Nigerian education system. While the UTME serves as a standardized assessment tool, it also faces criticism for its limitations and the stress it imposes on students. Moving forward, a balanced approach that considers the strengths and weaknesses of the UTME while exploring alternatives, such as holistic admissions and skills-based assessments, may lead to a more inclusive, equitable, and effective university admissions process. Ultimately, the goal should be to identify and nurture the diverse talents of Nigerian students, enabling them to excel and contribute meaningfully to society.