An Abuja-based lawyer, Chief Chukwuma Nwachukwu, has taken a stand against the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), invoking the Freedom of Information Act (FOI) to demand transparency regarding the top scorers in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Expressing dissatisfaction with JAMB’s decision to withhold information about the top performers, Chief Nwachukwu submitted a formal request to the examination body, urging them to disclose the names and scores of the ten best candidates within seven days, as stipulated by the FOI Act.
In a letter addressed to the Registrar General of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Chief Nwachukwu highlighted the obligation of public institutions to provide access to information under the FOI Act, emphasizing the right of citizens to request and receive such information without demonstrating specific interest.
The letter stated: “Any person entitled to the right to information under this Act shall have the right to institute proceedings in the Court to compel any public institution to comply with the provisions of this Act.”
Chief Nwachukwu emphasized the urgency of the matter, citing the provision within the FOI Act mandating public institutions to respond to information requests within seven days.
JAMB’s decision to withhold information about the top scorers in the UTME has sparked controversy, especially considering the public announcement of overall performance statistics. According to JAMB’s data, a significant majority of candidates scored below 200, with the results of over 64,000 candidates withheld.
Furthermore, Chief Nwachukwu highlighted a notable increase in the enrollment of Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs), demonstrating the importance of transparency in educational assessments to ensure inclusivity and accountability.
