The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to urgently resolve mounting challenges confronting candidates registering for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Obi raised the alarm after witnessing large crowds and confusion at JAMB’s office in Amawbia, Anambra State, noting that similar reports of overcrowding and delays have surfaced in other parts of the country.
The former governor attributed the disruption to the recent proscription of several computer-based test (CBT) centres over alleged infractions. While acknowledging that regulatory authorities may have valid reasons to sanction erring centres, he stressed the need for a balanced and humane approach to avoid punishing innocent candidates.
Obi suggested that centres currently under investigation could be allowed to provide limited services under strict supervision to prevent further violations.
He also proposed that JAMB temporarily reactivate previously approved centres under close monitoring to ease pressure on state offices, especially as the registration deadline draws near.
“With the registration deadline approaching, many candidates some travelling long distances and even spending nights away from home risk missing the examination through no fault of their own,” Obi said.
He warned that systemic lapses must not derail the academic future of young Nigerians.
“Students cannot be made to suffer the failings of a system to which we have all, in one way or another, contributed.
Swift and compassionate intervention should be made to ensure that no young person’s academic future is jeopardised by avoidable administrative bottlenecks,” he added.
Education stakeholders are now watching closely to see how JAMB will respond as pressure mounts to streamline the registration process nationwide.
