By Parrot Newspaper 
Kate Henshaw Calls Out JAMB for Grammatical Blunder—Why It Matters for Nigerian Students
By Ricky Awodi
Nollywood icon Kate Henshaw recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to correct the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) after the exam body made a glaring grammatical error in a public statement. The mistake, though seemingly minor, has sparked a broader conversation about the implications of such oversights for Nigerian students—especially from an institution that pretends to uphold academic excellence.
The Context: JAMB’s Clumsy Response to Peter Obi
The drama began when former presidential candidate Peter Obi criticized JAMB for scheduling exams as early as 6:00 AM, forcing candidates to leave home in the dark. JAMB’s rebuttal, however, backfired when its official X account responded with:
“@PeterObi, Your Excellency, I must assert that our examination is scheduled to commence at 8:00am, not 6:00 am. While verification and other clearance processes begins at 6:30am, it is imperative that candidates are afforded adequate time to settle in before the exam begins.”
The Error?
“Processes begins” (should be “processes begin”)—a basic subject-verb agreement mistake.
Kate Henshaw, known for her no-nonsense stance, swiftly replied:
“It’s begin, not begins. Processes (plural) require a plural verb. JAMB, you’re setting exams, not errors.”
Why This Matters for Nigerian Students
Hypocrisy in Standards
JAMB penalizes students for minor errors in exams, yet its own public communications are riddled with mistakes. How can an institution that “supretends” (pretends) to uphold grammatical integrity justify such blunders?
Impact on Credibility
If JAMB can’t proofread a simple tweet, what does that say about its attention to detail in critical exam processes—like grading or admissions?
Psychological Pressure on Candidates
Students already face immense stress over JAMB’s rigid policies (e.g., biometric failures, last-minute venue changes). Seeing the board falter on basic grammar only fuels distrust.
The Bigger Picture: A Call for Accountability
Kate Henshaw’s correction isn’t just about grammar—it’s about holding institutions accountable. Nigerian students deserve a system that leads by example, not one that “supretends” perfection while making avoidable errors.
Final Thought:
If JAMB expects candidates to write flawlessly under pressure, it should first master the basics of English—or risk becoming a national punchline.