List of Items Banned by JAMB in the Examination Halls

 
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is the body responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria, which serves as the primary examination for candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and other higher institutions across the country. The integrity of the examination process is paramount, and JAMB takes several steps to ensure fairness, transparency, and security during the exams. One of the measures in place is the imposition of a list of banned items in examination halls, which are strictly prohibited to maintain a level playing field for all candidates.

This blog post provides a comprehensive overview of the items banned by JAMB in the examination halls and explores the rationale behind these prohibitions.

##Why Banned Items are Necessary
JAMB’s list of banned items is part of the board’s efforts to prevent malpractice and ensure that the examination process is as secure and transparent as possible. The presence of certain items in the exam halls could lead to the compromise of exam integrity, giving some candidates unfair advantages while undermining the credibility of the UTME.

Some of the main reasons for banning certain items include:

Prevention of cheating: Items like mobile phones and electronic devices can be used to communicate with outside parties or store illicit information.

Maintaining orderliness: Certain items can disrupt the examination environment, causing distractions or disturbances.

Security concerns: Certain tools and gadgets could be used for unlawful purposes, including the creation or spread of counterfeit exam materials.


##JAMB’s List of Banned Items
The following items are explicitly banned by JAMB in examination halls. Candidates found in possession of any of these items risk disqualification from the examination.

a) Mobile Phones and Communication Devices:
Mobile phones, smartphones, tablets, and other electronic communication devices are strictly prohibited. These devices can facilitate cheating by allowing candidates to communicate with outsiders or access unauthorized information. Modern smartphones are capable of storing notes, answers, and even connecting to the internet, making them a major threat to the integrity of the examination.

b) Smart Watches and Digital Devices:
Smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, and other wearable tech are also prohibited. These devices could allow candidates to receive messages, store information, or covertly communicate with others during the exam, which would undermine fairness.

c) Laptops and Tablets:
Similar to smartphones, laptops and tablets have the capacity to store large amounts of information and can be used for cheating during the exam. Since the use of such devices could disrupt the security and integrity of the exam, they are not permitted inside the examination hall.

d) Books and Study Materials:
JAMB strictly forbids the possession of textbooks, notes, and any other form of study material during the exam. The UTME is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to recall and apply knowledge without external assistance. Bringing textbooks or other study materials into the hall would constitute cheating.

e) Flash Drives, External Storage Devices, and Memory Cards:
Flash drives, external hard drives, and memory cards are also on the banned list. These devices can store information, including answers, which could be used to cheat during the examination. The presence of such storage devices in the hall is a clear violation of exam rules.

f) Electronic Calculators:
Although certain exams, such as mathematics, require calculators, JAMB prohibits the use of electronic calculators in the UTME. This includes all programmable calculators, as they can be used to store formulas, answers, or other information that could aid a candidate inappropriately.

g) Cameras and Recording Devices:
Any form of camera, including those on mobile phones, is prohibited. Candidates are not allowed to take photographs or record videos of exam materials. These devices could potentially be used to capture and distribute exam questions or answers to other candidates.

h) Food and Drinks:
While food and drinks are not banned in general, they are prohibited in the exam hall for reasons of hygiene, security, and to avoid disruptions. Consuming food or beverages in the hall could cause disturbances and distractions, affecting both the individual candidate and others around them.

i) Sharp Objects and Weapons:
Sharp objects like knives, scissors, and other dangerous items are not allowed into the examination hall for safety reasons. Furthermore, weapons or tools that could potentially be used to harm others are strictly prohibited to ensure the well-being of everyone in the exam venue.

j) Other Miscellaneous Items:
Additional items such as bags, large purses, or any items that are not essential for the exam are also prohibited. These items could potentially conceal banned objects, or simply disrupt the orderly conduct of the examination.

##Consequences of Possessing Banned Items
JAMB is very strict when it comes to the enforcement of its rules, particularly regarding banned items. Candidates caught in possession of any prohibited items in the examination hall are subject to severe penalties, which may include:

Immediate disqualification from the UTME.

Cancellation of examination results.

A possible ban from sitting for future JAMB exams.

Legal action, depending on the severity of the offense.


It is critical that candidates understand the consequences of violating these regulations, as they can jeopardize their academic future and career aspirations.

##Preparing for the Examination: What You Can Bring
While there are several banned items, there are also permissible items that candidates are allowed to bring into the examination hall, including:

Valid JAMB slip: Candidates must bring a printed copy of their JAMB registration slip to the exam.

National Identity Card or Passport Photograph: A valid form of identification is required for verification purposes.


It is always recommended that candidates adhere strictly to the list of allowed items to avoid unnecessary complications.

##Conclusion
The list of banned items in JAMB examination halls is a necessary measure designed to ensure the integrity, security, and fairness of the UTME. Candidates must familiarize themselves with these prohibitions well before the exam day to avoid mistakes that could lead to disqualification. By respecting the rules and regulations set out by JAMB, candidates contribute to maintaining the credibility and trustworthiness of the examination process, ensuring that all participants are given an equal and fair opportunity to succeed.

Candidates should always double-check the list of items allowed and banned before heading to the examination venue to avoid any inconveniences or penalties on exam day.