SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science (SSRG-IJHSS) – Volume 6 Issue 5 – Sep – Oct 2019 ISSN: 2394 - 2703 www.internationaljournalssrg.org Page 86 An Assessment of the Challenges and Prospects of Computer Based Test (Cbt) in Joint Admissions And Matriculation Board (Jamb) # Hussaini Danladi (Ph.D.) , * Audu Kafwa Dodo (Msc) # Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Abuja, Nigeria * Taraba State University, PMB 1167, Jalingo Mathematical Science Department, Taraba State, Nigeria Abstract The introduction of Computer Based Test (CBT) in Nigeria was greeted with mixed feelings as many argued that Nigeria was not ripped enough to have embraced a computerized examination of this magnitude organized by JAMB. While the CBT has recorded appreciable improvement in terms of reduction in examination malpractice, speed in the marking and processing of candidates results, among others. However, the implementation of CBT is also faced with multiple problems. This paper, therefore, examines the challenges and prospects of CBT. Data was collected from the secondary sources because there is a considerable literature on the subject matter. While the Content analysis was employed for analysis and discussion. The paper found out that, to a greater extent, CBT has done away with rampant cases of examination malpractice, missing results, and delays in the release of the result. The paper also revealed that there are challenges associated with the integrity of the computerized examination, the problem of ICT infrastructure, poor internet network, inadequate computers and cybersecurity among others. The study concludes that Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind when the whole world is going web-based in the conduct of many of her activities. The major recommendation in the study was that compulsory teaching of computer literacy at the secondary school level, provision of ICT infrastructure, and disqualification of Fraudulent private cyber cafes from participating in JAMB’s CBT examination. Keywords: Challenges, prospects, Computer Based Examination. INTRODUCTION Computer-Based Testing (CBT), also known as Computer-Based Assessment or e-assessment/testing is a method of administering tests in which the responses are electronically recorded, assessed, or both. It is commonly available for several admissions tests throughout the developed countries and developing countries over the years have started adopting this strategy to improve on examination tests. Computer-based tests offer several benefits over traditional paper-and-pencil or paper-based tests. The technology-based assessment provides opportunities to measure the complex form of knowledge and reasoning that is not possible to engage and assess through traditional methods (Bodmann and Robinson, 2004). Consequently, in Nigeria, employers now conduct aptitude test for job seekers through electronic means; the universities and other tertiary institutions are registering and conducting electronic examination for their students through the internet and other electronic and networking gadgets. Similarly, different examination bodies in the country such as West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), and National Teachers‟ Institute (NTI), among others register their students through electronic means (Olawale and Shafii, 2010). Computer and related technologies provide powerful tools to meet the new challenges of designing and implementing assessments methods that go beyond the conventional practices and facilitate to record a broader repertoire of cognitive skills and knowledge (Mubashrah, Tariq and Shami, 2012). In Nigeria, the mandate to conduct entrance examination into tertiary educational institutions (Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education & related/similar institutions) is vested in a body called Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Thus, every year, JAMB conducts Unified Tertiary Matriculations Examination (UTME) and forwards the results to the candidates' institutions of choice for selection and admission. Over the years, the UTME by JAMB has been a paper and pencil test (PPT) form, and has been characterized by a lot of fraudulent practices ranging from leakage of examination papers, use of machineries of all sorts by candidates, bribe-taking by examination officials,