The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) yesterday gave further explanation as to why the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Exam (UTME) candidates were introduced and recommended to the mock examination. The board said it is primarily about assessing the level of preparedness of the candidates and also getting acquainted with the proper computer-based test (CBT) system prior to the exam.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, who introduced and tested the mock examination in 2017, said that candidates are expected to take advantage of the mock examination, to prepare themselves in terms of fine-tuning questions, answering strategies, time management and changing examination patterns. He said apart from standardisation, a mock examination has helped candidates alleviate test anxiety as it ensures maximum comfort and minimal worry through practice.
“The more candidates sit for a practice test, the more relaxed and confident they would feel on the day of the actual exam. Additionally, practice test does not only help candidates to identify problem areas, but it also reassures them of their academic progress as it erases all examination phobia,” Oloyede said. He added that JAMB views mock examination as an effective form of preparation for UTME candidates, which has the potential to take learning to greater heights, and that it also helps JAMB assess its readiness for the actual exam.
