JAMB’s change of course/institution form has since been made available online for prospective students who are having one issue or another with their initial registration process.

The option yet avails candidates [whose score fall below the requirement of their choice institutions] the opportunity to choose another institution or course that would give them a realistic chance of gaining admission into tertiary institution this year. So, it is advisable that you effect the changes as soon as possible if you are in any way affected.

Check out the cut-off marks for several Nigerian tertiary institutions now

By the way, before you go ahead with the process; it is important to let you know that you will need to make a payment of N2500 to get this done. This amount can be made through the payment portal on the site- this means your account has got to be funded beforehand plus you must also have your ATM card readily available. You can also pay through ATM, Quickteller or make deposit at the bank.

Now, here is how to go about the process:

• Logon to JAMB’s portal here

• Enter your e-mail address and password and click on the ‘login’ tab

• You will be redirected to the landing page where you will then select ‘correction of data’ option from the side bar

• Now click on the ‘course/institution’ menu item that shows up next. Take note of the transaction ID that is generated at this point. Though it will be sent to your e-mail box but you can still write it down in your diary or save it on your mobile device as you will have a need for it later.

• Tap the ‘continue’ tab if you wish to make payment with your card. However, in case you are paying via any of the other means mentioned earlier. You can then follow the process through from the ‘My Payment’ menu item. After confirming your payment, you can go ahead and click on the ‘continue’ button.

• With payment completed, you will be required to enter your ‘Year of Exam’ and your ‘JAMB registration number’.

• Now, make the change [of either course or institution]. Be minded that changes can only be done based on the available options.

• You can then submit your application and await the approval [of your application] from the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board.

On Tuesday night, the Super Eagles were brought back to earth [after the euphoria of their 1-0 triumph over Poland] as they were defeated 2-0 by the Serbian national team in a friendly match played at the Hive Stadium in London. The loss brings to an end a six-game winning streak, and makes it the second time- the first being the 2-0 loss suffered at the hands of the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the 2019 Nations Cup qualifying match played at the Uyo Township Stadium in June 2017- coach Gernot Rohr’s team will be losing a game since he took over the reins of the Nigerian national team.
That the game was a friendly did not stop Nigerian soccer fans from having high expectations as they hoped the Eagles will build on previous victories over Argentina and Poland. The defeat did give us a reality check, and I am sure the coaches will have learnt one or two things from the game with a view of churning out a commendable performance at the World Cup which starts in about two months’ time.
But then there are some observations that can be noted from the match from the fans’ angle, and five of these, I shall discuss henceforth.

The Super Eagles is far from being a finished product
It could be posited that the reason for organizing this match is to fine-tune our preparation, and as such, one need not get obsessed with winning at all cost- that’s the truth anyway. However, what should give one concern is the lack of cohesion among the Nigerian players. This has always been an issue though the winning streak seemed to have veiled our faces, making us have some false sense of security but it is good a thing that this loss is coming at a time like this- before the World Cup. The inability of the team to play as a cohesive unit really affected our game play and the Serbs, being a side with great technical awareness, did capitalize on that as they split apart the (Nigerian) team with precision.

Bench is not strong enough
It is often said that a team is as good as its bench. Injuries- which is definitely an unfortunate occurrence for any player or team- and/or the non-availability of certain star player(s) is a test of the team’s depth, and for any team that is aiming to go far in a competition [in the magnitude of the world], having a bench that is richly supplied with talented and/or versatile players is a great gain. The Nigerian team appears to suffer much without a leader in the persona of John Obi Mikel as the team’s pivot is undone. Furthermore, not having capable replacements for players such as the team’s captain and Leon Balogun is a huge minus to the Super Eagles. But then, is it really about having the players or a matter of team selection? This takes us to the next point.

Gernot Rohr needs to fit square pegs into square holes
Although it was a preparatory match, it has to be said that now is not the time to keep experimenting with players in positions they are not accustomed with. Gernot Rohr should have known what his players are capable of and use them as appropriate, and even map out a tactical approach that will optimize the potentials of the players at his disposal. For instance; John Ogu should have been given more playing time in a deep-lying role right from the start- or immediately after the restart- in place of Joel Obi who did not contribute much to the solidity of the team’s midfield. Again, many are of the opinion that Kenneth Omeruo could have formed a better partnership with William Troost-Ekong in the central defense.

Clamor for Enyeama’s recall continues
A sizeable fraction of fans are clamoring for veteran goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama to be called back into the national team fold as they do not think either Fancis Uzoho- who, I must say, has given a good account of himself thus far- or Ikechukwu Ezenwa has what it takes to man the goalpost when Eagles eventually kickoff their World Cup campaign. It is believed that Vincent Enyeama will not only offer an assured pair of hands at the back but also help the team’s morale.

Clinical attackers needed
Another area of concern is the ‘strike force’ of the Super Eagles. Though clear-cut chances were few and far between but had the attackers been more clinical in front of goal, Nigeria would have had a brighter prospect of winning the game- or at least register a goal on the couple of occasions they made foray into the Serbian defense. Odion Ighalo remains right about the only proven out-and-out striker, and he did not even come into the fray until the 46th time. Looking ahead, the coaching crew needs to start looking out for good strikers to complement Ighalo and deliver the goals in Russia.

It is hoped that the coach would have rung the necessary changes that will set the team on a pedestal of greatness before the next rounds of friendlies against the Democratic Republic of Congo, England and Czech Republic.

JAMB Cut-off marks for Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges

With the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) having released the results of most of the candidates who sat for the recently concluded Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), prospective undergraduates have now known if they had done enough- by way of scoring good marks- to get into the tertiary institution of their choice. Notwithstanding, some [who might have not measured up to the high demand of their first choice course of study or institution] will be on the lookout to see if there is just about any institution of higher learning that could take them in with the marks they have been able to garner. Whatever the case may be, we believe you will find the next piece of information [on the cut-off marks of various tertiary institutions plus the probable cut-off marks of private institutions] quite useful.
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University: 180
Ahmadu Bello University: 180
Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa: 180
Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, Katsina: 180
Federal University, Gashua, Yobe: 180
Federal University, Kashere, Gombe: 180
Federal University, Lafia, Nasarawa: 180
Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi: 180
Federal University, Ndifu-Alike, Ebonyi: 180
Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa: 180
Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti: 180
Federal University, Wukari, Taraba: 180
Federal University, Birnin-Kebbi: 180
Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara: 180
Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State: 200
Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State: 180
Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun: 180
Federal University of Technology, Akure: 180
Federal University of Technology, Minna: 180
Federal University of Technology, Owerri: 180
Michael Okpara University of Agriculture: 180
Modibbo Adama University of Technology: 180
Nnamdi Azikiwe University: 180
Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil: 180
Nigerian Defense Academy, Kaduna: 180
Obafemi Awolowo University: 200
University of Abuja: 180
University of Benin: 200
University of Calabar: 180
University of Ibadan: 200

University of Ilorin: 180
University of Jos: 180
University of Lagos: 200
University of Maiduguri: 180
University of Nigeria, Nsukka: 200
University of Port-Harcourt: 180
University of Uyo: 180
Usmanu Danfodio University: 180
Abia State University: 180
Adamawa State University: 180
Adekunle Ajasin University, Ondo State: 180
Akwa Ibom State University of Technology: 180
Ambrose Alli University: 180
Anambra State University: 180
Bauchi State University: 180
Benue State University: 180
Cross River State University of Science & Technology: 180
Delta State University: 180
Edo University: 180
Ekiti State University: 180
Enugu State University of Science & Technology: 180
Ignatius Ajuru University of Education: 180
Imo State University: 180
Kaduna State University: 180
Kano State University of Science & Technology: 180
Kebbi State University: 180
Kogi State University: 180
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology: 180
Lagos State University: 190
Nasarawa State University: 180
Niger Delta University: 180
Northwest University, Kano State: 180
Olabisi Onabanjo University: 180
Ondo State University of Science & Technology: 180

Osun State University: 180
Plateau State University: 180
River State University of Science & Technology: 180
Sokoto State University: 180
Sule Lamido University: 180
Tai Solarin University of Education: 180
Taraba State University: 180
Yobe State University: 180
Achievers University: 120
Adeleke University: 120
Afe Babalola University: 180
Ajayi Crowther University: 160
Al-Hikmah University: 160
American University of Nigeria, Yola: 160
Arthur Jarvis University: 120
Augustine University: 160
Babcock University: 170
Baze University: 160
Bells University of Technology: 160
Bingham University: 170
Caleb University: 120
Caritas University: 120
Clifford University: 120
Coal City University:1 20
Covenant University: 180
Crown Hill University: 120
Edwin Clark University: 120
Evangel University: 120
Fountain University: 120
Hallmark University: 160
Hezekiah University: 120
Joseph Ayo Babalola University: 160
Kings University: 120
Kwararafa University: 160
Landmark University: 170
Lead City University: 150
Madonna University: 160
McPherson University: 120
Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja: 150
Novena University: 120
Obong University: 150
Oduduwa University: 180
Pan-Atlantic University: 180
Paul University: 160
Redeemer’s University: 170
Renaissance University: 120
Ritman University: 180
Salem University: 150
Samuel Adegboyega University: 120
Southwestern University: 120
Summit University: 120
Tansian University: 110
University of Mkar: 140
Veritas University: 180
Wellspring University: 120
Wesley University of Science & Technology: 120
Western Delta University: 120

Polytechnics and Colleges of Education
Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Ebonyi State: 150
Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State: 150
College of Administrative and Business Studies, Potiskum, Yobe State: 150
Federal College of Land Resources Technology, Owerri, Imo State: 150
Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Victoria Island, Lagos State: 150
Federal College of Forestry, Jos, Plateau State: 150
Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Kaduna State: 150
Federal College of Forestry Technology, Ibadan, Oyo State: 150
Federal College of Horticulture, Gombe State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Bauchi State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Bida, Niger State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe, Bayelsa State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Kogi State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Namoda, Zamfara State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Nasarawa State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Imo State: 180
Federal Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Taraba State: 150
Federal Polytechnic, Ukana, Akwa-Ibom State: 150
Federal School of Surveying, Oyo State: 150
Federal School of Dental Technology & Therapy: 150
Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic, Kazaure, Jigawa: 150
Kaduna Polytechnic: 150
Yaba College of Technology, Lagos State: 180
Abia State Polytechnic: 150
Abdul Gusau Polytechnic, Zamfara: 150
Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic: 150
Abubakar Tafari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi State: 150
Adamawa State Polytechnic: 150
Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic: 150
Anambra State College of Health Technology: 150
College of Agriculture, Jalingo Taraba State: 150
College of Health Technology, Calabar: 150
Delta State Polytechnics: 150
Gateway Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State: 150
Gboko Polytechnic, Benue State: 150
Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Katsina State: 150
Imo State Polytechnic: 150
Institute of Management Technology, Enugu state: 150
Jigawa State Institute of Information Technology: 150
Kano State Polytechnic: 150
Kogi State Polytechnic: 150
Kwara State Polytechnic: 150
Lagos State College of Health Technology: 150
Lagos State Polytechnic: 150

Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ogun State: 150
Nasarawa State Polytechnic: 150
Niger State College of Agriculture: 150
Niger State Polytechnic: 150
Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, Kaduna State: 150
Osun State Polytechnic: 150
Plateau State Polytechnic: 150
Port Harcourt Polytechnic: 150
Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri, Borno State: 150
The Polytechnic, Ibadan: 150
Allover Central Polytechnic, Sango-Ota, Ogun State: 130
Dorben Polytechnic, Abuja: 100
Foundation College of Technology, Akwa-Ibom State: 100
Grace Polytechnic, Lagos State: 100
Igbajo Polytechnic, Osun State: 100
Lens Polytechnic, Offa, Kwara State: 120

@Olumide-Adekogbe

The Super Eagles of Nigeria ran out winners as they defeated the Polish national team by one goal to nil. The game looked evenly poised as both teams looked to sized each other up but it was the Poles who kept asking questions of the Eagles defence and it only took a goal-line clearance [by Leon Balogun] to keep them from going forward. The Poles' star man, Robert Lewandoski even hit a shot against the woodwork in the first half but it has to be said that the Eagles were yet able to hold their heads high; dominating possession at some points in time.

The second was nonetheless action-packed as the Poles [being spurred by the home crowd] push to break the deadlock, and that looked certain as Lewandoski went one-on-one against the Nigerian goalie, Francis Uzoho who was able to keep his composure to avert danger and prevent the star striker from burying the ball in the back of the net- a feat that could go a long way in boosting the confidence of the young goalkeeper who appeared jittery in the first half.

Although Nigeria might have not had so much joy in the final third but they were not to be denied the last laugh as Victor Moses won a penalty which he eventually converted in the 61st minute. The Eagles were able to hold out for their famous win against the Poles- in the first ever match between both sides- who are the 6th best football playing nation in the world.

Coach Gernot Rohr and his men will now be looking to take this form into the next game against Serbia- who lost out to Morocco by 2 goals to one in a friendly played on Friday- on Tuesday.

One of the things the Amaju Pinnick led NFF team worth receiving commendation for is making the most of the international break to set up top grade friendly matches for the Super Eagles even as they look to get the national football team in top gear for the Russia 2018 world cup starting in June. In the light of this the Super Eagles are billed to face Poland and Serbia on Friday, 23rd of March and Tuesday, 27th of March, 2018 respectively.

The game against the Polish national football team present the Eagles- especially the defense- a sterner test as they will be aiming to curtail the onslaught of Robert Lewandoski who registered a total of sixteen (16) goals on the road to Russia 2018. The team is however not about Lewandoski alone as coach Adam Nawalka also has the likes of Jakub Blaszcykowski, Lukasz Piszcek and a couple of prolific players in his arsenal. And just for the records; both teams have an untainted record against each other as this is only the first time they will be meeting.

On the other hand; the match against Serbia will be yet another quality friendly match that should afford coach Gernot Rohr the opportunity to further to assess the forms of his players, and probably try out some new formations. Going by their performances in the qualifying rounds for the world cup, one would have seen that the Serbian team is a balanced one; capable of turning in the goals and holding their lines as well- the team will no doubt put the Super Eagles in good stead for the footballing masterpiece in Russia. The game will take place at the Hive Barnet FC Stadium in London by 7pm on Tuesday.

What will you make of hearing about a repentant Boko Haram group or an insurgent group that uncharacteristically put up a friendly mien with its victims while plunging their loved ones into sorrow? That should, no doubt, make the ears of the ‘unbelieving’ tingle, I perceive. But before I proceed further, let me take some time out to rejoice with the parents who have had to stare into blank air as they anxiously anticipate being re-united with their wards, and the children who were entangled in a rather meaningless and ‘unending’ powerplay. And may God grant the loved ones of the five (5) girls [who died among those who were captured] the fortitude to bear the loss.

Now to the objective of this piece; curtailing the onslaught of an insurgent group [like Boko Haram] may be an arduous task but the manner in which the presidency handled and/or addressed the latest kidnapping [of the Dapchi Girls] subtly showed that there is an undertone of politics attached to the event- or shall one place the comparison being drawn [with the past administration in view] over and again? This seems to be one of the reasons why speculations are rife that the events leading to the capture of the students from Government Girls Secondary School in Dapchi, Yobe state was staged and scripted by some persons in the position of power. The president kept highlighting the failures of the past administration when in essence the government should have worked around the clock [with security units] to prevent the re-occurrence of an event in the magnitude of the kidnapping of over 200 Chibok girls. This makes me ask: could this really be an avenue to score some cheap political points with the elections approaching?

Furthermore, has the release of the Dapchi girls really taken place without any form of negotiations- by way of ransom paying- or offensive from security agencies? If none of these had been, why then is the government [and ruling party] claiming victory and making it look like it has got everything under control? Moreover, a report has it that the insurgent group decided to return the girls after finding out that 99% of them were Muslims.

Looking into the matter more scrutinizingly; in this ‘victory’, is a manifestation of the government’s failings in dealing with Boko Haram decidedly. How is it that the group returned the girls without any arrest being made? For the singular fact that Dapchi was just recently under siege, it ought to have been under surveillance- here is another loophole in our security setup- and this would have made it possible for security operatives to track the perpetrators.

One may not be able to get the whole truth at this very point in time but yet it is hard to rule out the fact that there is something shady about the scenarios that have been reeled out thus far, and with a good number of Nigerians being unconvinced by the government’s efforts in fighting insurgence, it will not be out of context to ask if the latest happening is not a way of toying with the intelligibility of Nigerians.

A smooth-running automobile can make your day as fulfilling as you might have imagined- barring any traffic congestion though. However, what would you make of having your car suddenly stop in the middle of the road while you are looking to meet up with an appointment? – Frustrating, I guess. I have seen [on a number of occasions] car owners/drivers become discomfited as their externally good looking cars just refused to move. But, as events are often preceded by a number of factors so does every problem developed by any car traceable to one or more component parts. And it is in the light of this that we shall be looking into some maintenance tips.

Taking care of your car’s engine
The engine being the ‘heart’ of an automobile requires a great deal of attention. First of all, you should make it a point of duty to check the oil at regular intervals; seeing to it that the oil level falls between the 2 notches on the dipstick- remember that your car has to be parked on a leveled surface in order to get accurate reading- and you should also change the oil when need be- oil that has become murky or dark overtime, is not good for the functioning of your car.

Again, considering the possible accumulation of debris- which could be made to stick due to oil leaks- in some delicate parts of your car’s engine, it is advisable that you judiciously inspect the engine from time to time. Whenever you notice debris clogging up; you should make use of a soft cotton cloth and detergent [mixed in water] to degrease and properly clean up the engine [while it is cool]. Then, gently rinse off the lather and dry up the engine as much as you can with a towel. While cleaning up the engine, you should be careful with the cables in order not ruin your car’s electrical system.
Additionally, dirty air filters should be replaced with new ones, and you should always pay attention to the condition of the car’s drive belt. One more thing; never allow your car to run when the engine coolant is below the normal level to avoid overheating.

Spark plugs
A good spark plug is highly beneficial to your car’s health and also boosts fuel economy. On the contrary, a worn spark plug or one that has deposits on it, will not only make the fuel to burn relatively faster but could also affect the car’s acceleration and even make it to break down suddenly. So, you should give the spark plugs a check before hitting the road, and have it changed as at when due- in most cases, spark plugs are to be replaced after covering a mileage of about 48,000 kilometers or 30,000 miles.

Battery
Though there isn’t much to be done when it comes to battery maintenance but paying heed to little details is yet essential. You may need to check the battery’s terminals to ensure that they are not loose and also see if there is any mineral buildup around them. You should clean up the deposits [with wire brush] once you notice them. But you should always remember the golden rule when disconnecting the car’s battery: you should disconnect the negative terminal first and then the positive; the reverse is however the case when reconnecting- positive first and then negative.
You should use distilled water to top off the electrolyte should it fall short of the normal level. One more piece of advice: try as much as you can not to run your car’s electrical system while the engine is off- this will help to preserve the life of the battery.

Brake
To ensure that the braking system is functioning at optimal level; you should make sure the brake fluid is full, and that worn out brakes are replaced as soon as possible. When it is time to change the brake fluid, see to it that the recommended type is used.

That is how much we can go for now but it is important to leave you with this: that you are well informed about some DIY tips on car maintenance, does not mean you should not take the automobile [to an accredited or trusted auto-mechanic shop] for routine check- say once every 6 months.

After months of working your socks off, shuttling between your home and workspace; it pays to take a break and enjoy some good times with your family and friends- this, you have got to do in grand style probably by visiting a couple of tourist attraction spots. In view of this, I have elected to talk about seven (7) beautiful places you can spend that ‘hard-earned’ vacation with your loved ones.

Obudu Mountain Resort, Cross River
Since its revamp in 2005, the Obudu Mountain Resort has become a tourist’s haven where delight and quietude are never hard to come by. The resort is known for its beautiful and picturesque landscapes [with undulating topography brought about by the interspersed mountains- a feature that would satisfy your sightseeing pleasure- and an ambience that brings calmness to the soul. Here is a great place for every camper who wishes to make the most of his/her holiday.

Cross River National Park
Cross River is not called ‘the people’s paradise’ for no just cause; the state is no doubt, a choice destination for tourists. While holidaying at Obudu Mountain Resort, you may also take a trip to the Cross River National Park; there, you will have a firsthand view of an array of flora and fauna- that includes baboons, gorillas, buffaloes, elephants, chimpanzees and drills. Another wonderful sight within the park is the Kwa waterfalls- but there are yet other fascinating sceneries.

Gashaka Gumti National Park, Taraba/Adamawa
And if your desire for more of what nature has got to offer is somewhat insatiable then, you can set a date to visit the Gahaka Gumti National Park- which happens to be Nigeria’s largest game reserve. At the park, you will see the West African wild dog, the African golden cat, the African buffalo, birds, different species of antelope (like the Oribi antelope, the kob antelope, the roan antelope, the klispringer, the yellow-backed duiker, the hartebeest and the mountain reedbuck) and a host of other animals. The park is also blessed with rich vegetations and climate that will make your visit all the more pleasurable.

Yankari Game Reserve, Bauchi
Yankari Game Reserve is one of Nigeria's foremost national parks. It is a vibrant ecosystem that houses a diversity of wildlife and several species of plants. The West African lion, Tantalus monkey, African bush elephant, hippopotamus, leopard and olive baboon are some of the animals you will find in the reserve. Other distinctive features in the park include the Dukkey wells, Tunga Dutse, Tonlong gorge, four different warm water springs- the Wikki, Nawulgo, Dimmil and Gwan warm springs- and one cool water spring.

Kajuru Castle, Kaduna

Away from the game reserves to something more exquisite- so, do you wish to have a feel of royalty in a medieval-styled architectural edifice? Then, the Kajuru Castle is the very place you would want to spend your next vacation. The castle is located on a hill [in Kajuru village]; that means you will get to have some scenic views of the ensuing landscape nature has got to offer. The facilities around the castle- from the pools to the rooms as well as some other admirable features- make it some sort of paradise worth checking out. While logging at the castle, you can take some time out to visit the Ancient Nok settlement at Jaba.

Port Harcourt Tourist Beach

If you are planning to spend the holiday in the city of Port Harcourt, you should make it good by visiting the man-made sand beach situated along the Kolabi creek line. You can go on hiking or sit and just feel the cool sea breeze as you listen to some cool music and watch the sun sets over the beach- an experience you will cherish for a long time to come. The Isaac Boro Garden Park is another place to check while you are in 'the garden city'.

Lekki Conservation Centre

Lagos state is known for its hustling and bustling but somewhere in the serene enclave of Lekki, is a place of escape. The Lekki Conservation Centre is the place to be should you desire to enjoy nature’s tranquility in the city of Lagos. The range of wildlife and flora on display at the centre makes for a gratifying sightseeing delight.

Nigeria is a beautiful land with many appealing features to behold [as a tourist] but I have been constrained by some factors to hold the list down to seven. How shall one forget Ikogosi warm water spring, the Borgu National Park, Idanre hills, Okomu National Park, Ibeno beach and many other tourist attractions of great significance?

We have heard of how certain dubious persons are out to lure unsuspecting students into upgrading their JAMB score and the discovery of candidates who indulge in malpractice while sitting for the recently concluded examination. Besides these, the news of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board wanting to cancel some previously released results [which were said to be fake] has also rent the air- a similar scenario played out last year when JAMB recalled some results in order to make corrections.

On the current results; the media has been abuzz with the news of 311 [scored by a candidate from Gombe State] being the highest score thus far. But then, there has been a candidate who scored 337, and even before that, I have personally gotten to know about a lad [in Lagos State] who had 330 as his JAMB score and he got a printout of the result from JAMB’s website. The reason why their names did not get a mention in the media remains unknown.

Furthermore, there have been rumblings over the continual delay of the results of over 1.3 million candidates who have been earnestly [and anxiously] navigating the Board’s website to know their fate. It was expected that since the examination was a computer based test, the results should have been ready in good time. The delay however may not be unconnected with the fact that the Board is trying to do some checks and balances in order not to allow examination cheats go scot free- which is quite understandable though.

Notwithstanding, since the Board was aware of the possibility of examination malpractice beforehand, it ought not to have assured candidates of getting their results three (3) days sitting for the examination. The time needed for proper assessment should have been duly considered, and as such, a specific and certain time-frame would have been set for candidates to get their results without any delay. This could have helped curtail the incident of having to release and then recall students’ results.

As I bring this to a conclusion; I will like to say here that the computer based JAMB examination is far from perfect- the delay in giving out is just a testament. There were a number of candidates who had it rough on the system they were presented with- this is not necessarily due to the fact that they did not adhere to instructions but because the systems were malfunctioning- and in some scenarios, the servers were having issues. All these do not create a conducive setting for an examination as such could make a candidate to be unsettled and yet ‘bite’ into the time allotted for the examination. So, as we aim to measure up with the dynamics of a technology-inclined world, it is necessary that things be done in the right order to achieve a credible result- as saying goes; what is worth doing is worth doing well. The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board have got to look into all these issues and ensure that they are properly resolved before the next examinations.

Except you are one of those who solely run deals in hard currencies or maybe you get supplied with new notes [fresh from the minting press], would you not have come across a naira note that you wish to part with as quickly as you lay a hand on it. Though there is no denomination that is not affected but the note in view here is the N100 note; the state of the N100 notes will have out there is so pathetic and irritating that one can only wonder if those responsible for the circulation [of the notes] are really in tune with what is going on. New N100 notes are just one ‘scarce commodity’ to come by nowadays as all we see are tattered and dirty notes, and in some instances, they are only hanging by the thread or held in place with cello tape or some other forms of adhesive- something that has now become a custom of some sort.

Putting the sorry state of the N100 notes in further perspective; one may be quick to conclude that the way poor handling of the naira notes by most Nigerians has been the major reason why our naira notes appear the way they are. Inasmuch as this very notion cannot be waived aside, there is yet no gainsaying that the N100 notes [we have had to make do with] are long overdue for a change. Most of these notes should be taken out of circulation and replaced with new ones even as Nigerians need to start treating [and/or handling] naira notes with some respect.