Education: NCC, JAMB in talks for provision of ‘dedicated SIM Cards’ for students ─Prof. Oloyede

*Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, says the Board is discussing with the Nigerian Communications Commission for special SIM Cards for students in view of the new methods for admission decisions designed to ‘safeguard the candidates’ information and maintain the integrity of the admission process’ in the country

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In recognition of the significant role the telecoms sector regulator plays in the country’s digital ecosystem, the leadership of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has begun discussion with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on the provision of specialised SIM Cards featuring limited services for students in the West African country.

ConsumerConnect reports Prof. Ishaq Olarenwaju Oloyede, Registrar of JAMB, who confirmed this development during a recent media chat, in Lagos, stressed the increasing importance of public examination candidates’ registered telephone numbers in Nigeria.

SIM Cards

Prof. Oloyede underscored that provision of such special SIM Cards for Nigerian students has become necessary for executing sensitive operations, especially in the education sector of the economy.

The Registrar of JAMB also disclosed the novel procedure for admission acceptance.

He explained: “A candidate may either transmit ACCEPT or REJECT via their dedicated telephone line to 55019/66019, or personally endorse or decline any offer of admission (inclusive of programme alterations) using their fingerprint at an authorised CBT centre or any JAMB office.

“These freshly devised methods for admission decisions are designed to safeguard the candidates’ information and maintain the integrity of the admission process.”

Oloyede noted: “With the introduction of this method, the significance of the candidates’ registered telephone (SIM) has escalated, as it is now pivotal for conducting increasingly sensitive operations.

“We are currently in negotiations with the NCC to establish dedicated SIMs for students with restricted functionalities.”

Earlier, Dr. Aminu Amida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, in April 2024, had
hosted the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in his office, in Abuja, when Prof. Ishaq Olarenwaju Oloyede, led his Management team on a working visit to the Corporate Headquarters of the telecoms sector regulatory Commission.

Maida, in a blog note, dislcosed the meeting’s agenda focused on “strengthening the existing collaboration and cooperation” between the two Federal Government agencies, and “enhancing the delivery of JAMB’s mandate” in Nigeria.