Peter Obi Calls on JAMB to Shield Students from System Failures Amid 2026 UTME Registration Chaos

 

Former Labour Party presidential candidate and prominent Nigerian politician Peter Obi has strongly criticised the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over ongoing difficulties in the registration process for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

In a statement posted on his verified X account on Monday, Obi highlighted the persistent overcrowding, confusion, and hardship faced by candidates, particularly at JAMB's office in Amawbia, Anambra State. He described the situation as a regrettable repeat of challenges observed in the previous year, following the proscription of several Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres over alleged infractions.

"Last year, concerns were raised about the hardship students faced at various centres across the country, particularly at the Amawbia, Anambra State, office of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board," Obi stated. "The expectation was that corrective measures would follow. Sadly, as I passed there again last Friday, I met the same crowd and confusion."

Obi pointed out that many candidates, especially those from rural areas, travel long distances—some even spending nights away from home—to complete registration. With the registration deadline approaching on February 26, he warned that delays and administrative bottlenecks could prevent some students from sitting the exam.

"If nothing urgent is done, some will miss the examination not for lack of preparation, but because the system failed them," he emphasised. "Students cannot be made to suffer the failings of a system to which we have all, in one way or another, contributed."

The former Anambra State governor stressed that accountability lies with the system, not the young candidates. "What is required now is not blame, but swift and compassionate intervention to ensure that no young person’s academic future is jeopardised by avoidable administrative bottlenecks," Obi added.

His intervention comes amid widespread reports of registration challenges nationwide, including long queues, technical glitches, and limited access to functional centres. Obi urged JAMB to prioritise humane solutions, protect the interests of vulnerable students, and prevent any avoidable disruptions to their educational aspirations.

This is not the first time Obi has spoken on education-related issues, as he previously commended JAMB's transparency in addressing errors in past examinations while calling for sustained improvements.

As the UTME registration window nears its close, stakeholders await JAMB's response to these concerns to ensure a smooth process for all candidates.