JAMB Defends Early Exam Schedules Amid Peter Obi’s Concerns Over Candidate Safety

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has responded to criticisms raised by Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, regarding the safety of candidates sitting for the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Obi had raised the alarm over the early start times for the exams, which he argued placed undue strain on young Nigerians, especially in areas with security concerns.

In a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi criticized the early 6:30 a.m. exam schedules, questioning the wisdom of asking teenagers and young adults to commute in unsafe conditions.

He called on the authorities to prioritize the safety of candidates, stating, “No young Nigerian should be subjected to the risk of early morning travel just to sit for an exam. We must rethink this approach for the sake of our children.”

Responding to Obi’s concerns, JAMB defended its approach, emphasizing that the early exam sessions are essential for managing the high volume of candidates registered for the UTME across the country. Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the board’s spokesperson, clarified that the exam’s logistics, including early morning sessions, are coordinated with security agencies to ensure a safe and efficient process.

“We work closely with security operatives to ensure the safety of candidates at all times. The early scheduling helps in managing the huge number of candidates across various centres nationwide,” Benjamin said.

While JAMB sought to reassure the public, Obi’s critique went beyond the specific issue of exam times. He called for a broader overhaul of Nigeria’s education system, advocating for greater investment in infrastructure, including the establishment of more universities and examination centres. Drawing comparisons with countries like Indonesia, Obi argued that such measures would not only improve accessibility for candidates but would also reduce the burden of long-distance travel, ultimately enhancing the safety of students.

“The focus should be on decentralizing exam centres and building more educational institutions across the country. This would prevent students from having to travel long distances or face the risk of early morning travel,” Obi suggested.

The debate surrounding the safety of candidates and the logistical challenges of conducting exams on a national scale has sparked wider discussions about the state of Nigeria’s education sector. As the UTME continues across the country, many are calling for reforms that better balance the need for efficiency with the safety and wellbeing of Nigeria’s future generations.