…Schools to charge N2,500 for exercise
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
THE Federal Government and management of universities have reached a compromise on the post Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination also known as Post- UTME.
Two weeks ago, Education Minister, Mallam Adamu Adamu banned post-UTME in universities. But, there is a compromise on the matter.
The compromise, as contained in a memo which emanated from the Association of Vice- Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU), agreed to peg a charge for post-UTME screening at N2,500.
This new directive, however, runs contrary to the directive to universities to stop the test and solely rely on the admission list given to them by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The minister asked universities who conducted the exam to cancel and refund the students or face the wrath of government.
Meanwhile, Secretary- General of the association, Professor Michael Faborode said the agreement was reached after extensive deliberations among officials of the Ministry of Education led by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Folashade Yemi- Esan, vice chancellors of federal universities, rectors of polytechnics and colleges of education in Abuja, yesterday.
Yesterday was a public holiday to mark the Eid-elFitri.
Faborode said officials of the ministry did not raise any objection to the decision of screening by universities but only insisted it must not be Computer Based Test (CBT). He said the permanent secretary gave approval for universities to advertise and warned that the maximum fee that should be charged for the screening should not exceed N2,500 inclusive of bank charges.
The permanent secretary promised to formally convey the decision reached at the meeting to the minister for his endorsement.