Sheikh Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Yammawa, a prominent Islamic scholar and chief cleric of the GRA mosque in Katsina State, Nigeria, has condemned the practice of writing the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam.
Speaking during the Ramadan Interpretation of the Holy Qur’an on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Sheikh Yammawa criticized the exam as a hindrance to education for the masses.
Sheikh Yammawa argued that forcing students to write the JAMB exam is a tactic to prevent the pursuit of secular education for low-income families. He also accused some JAMB stakeholders of unfairly awarding high marks to unmotivated students while giving low marks to deserving students.
The Islamic scholar emphasized that the JAMB exam has become a financial burden on parents, particularly given the high cost of living in Nigeria. “Parents should not be charged for writing the JAMB exam,” he said, highlighting the unnecessary financial strain it causes.
Sheikh Yammawa’s call to action is clear: he urges the Nigerian government to abolish the JAMB exam, allowing students to pursue higher education without unnecessary financial hurdles. This move, he believes, will ultimately benefit the economy and the country as a whole.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that commentators agree that Sheikh Yammawa’s appeal has merit, suggesting that canceling the JAMB exam could indeed stimulate economic growth and provide greater access to education for all Nigerians.
As the debate surrounding the JAMB exam continues, Sheikh Yammawa’s words have sparked a timely conversation about the role of education in Nigeria and the need for inclusive, accessible opportunities for all students.