The management of the Jigawa State University of Medical and Allied Health Sciences (JSUMAHS), Majia, has declared a strict, institution-wide ban on smartwatches, mobile phones, and other unauthorized electronic devices across all examination halls ahead of its upcoming semester examinations.
​The decision was finalised following an emergency meeting of the University Academic Board held at the Senate Building on the university’s main campus in Majia, Taura Local Government Area. University authorities stated that the measure aims to protect the credibility of academic assessments and combat technologically aided examination malpractice.
​According to a directive issued by the university, the prohibition takes full effect on Monday, October 26, 2026, coinciding with the start of the first-phase semester examinations.
Affected venues include the Central Lecture Theatre, the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Auditorium, and the E-Library CBT Centre. Screening for morning papers will begin at 7:15 AM, ahead of the official 8:00 AM start time, while afternoon sessions will undergo security checks from 1:15 PM.
​Speaking on behalf of the administration, the University Public Relations Officer, Mallam Usman Abubakar, emphasized that the university maintains zero tolerance for academic dishonesty.
​”The management of JSUMAHS remains steadfast in maintaining international standards in medical and health sciences education,” Abubakar said. “With the rapid proliferation of wearable technology, smartwatches and miniaturised electronic devices present a significant threat to academic integrity. Any candidate found carrying a smartwatch, smartphone, or foreign digital device inside the examination hall, whether powered on or off, will face immediate confiscation of the gadget and disciplinary proceedings under the University Academic Misconduct Code.”
​Providing further details on enforcement, the University Chief Examination Officer, Dr. Kabiru Ibrahim, outlined the security measures put in place for invigilators and security personnel.
​”Metal detectors and electronic body scanners will be stationed at all access points across the examination venues,” Dr. Ibrahim stated. “Invigilators have been instructed to ensure candidates bring only transparent stationery cases and approved standard analog timepieces. We strongly advise all students to store unauthorized personal items in their residences before heading to the examination centers.”
​Under the updated guidelines, banned items include smartwatches, fitness trackers, smartphones, programmable calculators, Bluetooth earpieces, and any internet-enabled or storage-capable electronic gadgets. Students are instructed to present their student identification cards and official examination dockets at entry points prior to admission into the halls.
