JAMB responds to Peter Obi’s criticism over UTME timing

DDM News

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has responded to criticisms made by Labour Party leader, Peter Obi, concerning the timing of the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports, Peter Obi had earlier expressed concerns that students were being forced to begin their exams as early as 6:30 am.

In a post shared on his X account on Sunday, Obi described the timing as reckless and dangerous.

He noted that many candidates, aged between 15 and 17 years, had to travel in the dark through unsafe and unfamiliar routes to reach their exam centres.

Obi warned that the arrangement placed teenagers at great risk of accidents, abductions, and emotional trauma.

He stated that incidents of missing students, road accidents, and related traumas were already being reported.

He questioned who would take responsibility if a child got harmed while attempting to attend an exam.

The former Anambra State governor further criticised JAMB and the wider government, calling the situation a reflection of Nigeria’s deeper systemic failures.

Obi’s comments sparked widespread debate across social media platforms, with many Nigerians echoing his concerns.

In a swift reaction, JAMB issued a statement clarifying the situation.

The examination body firmly denied that any of its exams were scheduled to begin at 6:30 am.

According to JAMB, the official commencement time for the 2025 UTME remains 8:00 am nationwide.

JAMB explained that candidates are only required to arrive early for verification and clearance processes, which start at 6:30 am.

The board stated, “Our examination is scheduled to commence at 8:00 am, not 6:30 am.”

Verification and clearance begin at 6:30 am to afford candidates adequate time to settle in before the exam starts.

JAMB emphasized that the early arrival was intended to prevent unnecessary delays and ensure the smooth running of the exams.

However, despite JAMB’s explanation, many Nigerians remained unsatisfied.

Critics questioned why teenagers must leave their homes before dawn just to meet verification schedules.

Some argued that in a country facing serious security challenges, asking young candidates to move around in the early hours was dangerous.

There were also concerns that students coming from distant or rural locations faced even greater risks.

Many Nigerians called on JAMB to reconsider its policies and adopt safer, more flexible arrangements.

Suggestions included later verification times or the provision of local centres to reduce travel distances.

Several education experts also weighed in, stressing that student safety should take precedence over administrative convenience.

They argued that while verification is necessary, it should not come at the cost of exposing students to danger.

Some parents shared experiences of having to accompany their children to distant exam centres in the early morning darkness.

Others narrated how transportation challenges in the early hours posed additional risks and stress for candidates.

The controversy has reignited calls for broader reforms in Nigeria’s education sector.

Observers noted that examination arrangements should be reviewed to reflect realities on the ground, including insecurity and poor transportation infrastructure.

There were also calls for better planning to ensure that exams remain accessible without endangering the lives of young Nigerians.

Meanwhile, Peter Obi has maintained his stance, urging relevant authorities to prioritize the welfare and safety of students at all times.

He insisted that access to education must never come at the expense of a child’s security.

The debate around JAMB’s procedures continues to generate heated discussions among citizens and stakeholders alike.

As it stands, many Nigerians are waiting to see if the examination body will make adjustments to its policies in future examinations.

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