Former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to urgently intervene in the ongoing hardships faced by candidates registering for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), insisting that students should not bear the brunt of administrative and systemic shortcomings.
In a statement posted on his verified X handle on Monday, Obi highlighted the persistent crowds, confusion, and difficulties at JAMB centres, particularly referencing the Amawbia office in Anambra State. He noted that the issues stem from the proscription of several Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres over alleged infractions last year, with inadequate corrective measures implemented.
“The expectation was that corrective measures would follow. Sadly, as I passed there again last Friday, I met the same crowd and confusion. Upon further inquiry, I was informed that similar situations exist in some other states across Nigeria,” Obi stated.
He acknowledged that authorities may have valid reasons for sanctioning centres but advocated for a more balanced and humane approach. “While authorities may have valid reasons for sanctioning centres, a more balanced and humane approach is possible. Centres under investigation could be allowed to continue offering limited services under strict monitoring to prevent further lapses,” he suggested.
Obi also proposed practical solutions, including temporary use of previously approved centres under close supervision to ease pressure on state offices, especially with registration closing on February 26.
“With registration ending on the 26th, the consequences are serious. Many candidates travel from distant villages, some even sleeping in Awka to secure access. If nothing urgent is done, some will miss the examination not for lack of preparation, but because the system failed them,” he warned.
The Labour Party stalwart emphasized compassion over blame: “Students cannot be made to suffer the failings of a system to which we have all, in one way or another, contributed. What is required now is not blame, but swift and compassionate intervention to ensure that no young person’s future is jeopardised by avoidable administrative bottlenecks.”
Obi’s intervention comes amid widespread reports of registration bottlenecks and candidate distress at various JAMB facilities nationwide, underscoring ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s examination system.
