THE Senate has endorsed the conduct of the post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) by higher institutions in the country for candidates seeking to gain entrance into such schools.

The Senate endorsement yesterday follows the approval of the recommendations of the Senate Committee on Education, which investigated the illegality of the post-UTME and the failure of the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) to conduct examinations acceptable by universities.

The committee is chaired by Senator Uche Chukwumerije.

According to the Senate, it could not sustain any charge of illegality against the post-UTME and concluded that the inclusion of written tests in screening by universities is legal and legitimate.

Also, the Senate pegged examinations fees into tertiary institutions at N6, 000 per candidate, adding that the fees should be a unified and one-stop charge with JAMB receiving N4, 000 and N2, 000 going to individual tertiary institution.

It resolved that state and private universities be persuaded to accept the proposal for N6, 000 admission fee ceiling per candidate while the hidden and extra levies charged by universities in respect of some courses be banned.

‘Disregard of the ceiling on a composite examination charge should attract reprimand, suspension or termination of appointment of an erring head of tertiary institution,’ the Senate added.

Furthermore, the Senate said the legality of the post-UTME underlines the importance of adequate funding of the education sector by government.

Observing that JAMB has serious challenges in conducting foolproof matriculation examinations, the Senate banned all ‘miracle centres and JAMB special centres’ and directed that matriculation examinations be conducted on week- days to reduce incidents of impersonation.

It added that the examination time-table in the country should be modified to ensure that candidates sit and obtain the result of their secondary school examinations on or before August 10, sit for the matriculation examination on or before September 10 and the post-UTME on or before September 30.