JAMB Plans to Introduce Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving Tests in UTME

New Proposal Seeks to Assess Candidates’ Reasoning and Real-Life Skills Alongside Academic Knowledge

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is considering reforms that would introduce critical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving assessments into the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

JAMB Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, disclosed this on Wednesday at the board’s Abuja Zonal Office during an interaction with candidates as part of its 2026 Customer Week.

According to Aina, a committee led by psychometrician Professor Boniface Nworgu is working on a framework to assess candidates’ reasoning abilities and their capacity to apply academic knowledge to real-life situations.

He explained that the proposed reform would complement existing academic assessments rather than replace them. However, he stressed that the proposal remained under consideration and would require approval before implementation.

Aina said the initiative was designed to help tertiary institutions assess whether prospective students possessed the judgment and practical thinking skills required for their chosen professions.

Using medical practice as an example, he noted that professionals needed more than technical knowledge to make sound decisions and understand the consequences of their actions.

JAMB Plans Better Communication With Candidates

The registrar also announced measures aimed at improving JAMB’s services and reducing difficulties faced by candidates during the admission process.

He said candidates would receive more detailed updates on their admission status instead of unclear messages such as “not admitted” or “admission in progress.”

The board is also working to make it easier for candidates who have lost access to their registered phone numbers or email addresses to update their contact information.

Aina added that JAMB was strengthening its collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to facilitate legitimate corrections to names and personal details while preventing identity fraud.

He warned that fraudulent attempts to alter candidates’ records could attract legal consequences.

Admission Process Remains JAMB’s Priority

Aina said the board was building on technological reforms introduced by his predecessor, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, while defending the harmonised examination timetable.

He explained that although the timetable could shorten candidates’ preparation periods, it helped ensure that results were released in time for the admission process.

The registrar emphasised that JAMB’s responsibility extended beyond conducting examinations to ensuring fairness and transparency in admissions.

He maintained that candidates should not need personal connections to secure admission, adding that the board was responsible for ensuring that institutions admitted eligible applicants fairly.

The proposed introduction of critical-thinking and problem-solving assessments is expected to undergo further consideration before any final decision is announced.