JAMB 2026: Peter Obi Speaks Out for UTME Candidates Over Alleged System Failures in Nigeria
- Peter Obi criticised JAMB over the alleged chaotic UTME registration process, reportedly affecting students nationwide
- The opposition leader urged swift action to prevent candidates from missing exams due to system failures
- Legit.ng gathered that JAMB monitors CBT centres live to ensure integrity amid past infractions and sanctions
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Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf brings over nine years of experience reporting on education across Nigeria and Africa.
Garki, Abuja - Peter Obi, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has alleged “system failures” in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
In a statement he signed and shared on his verified X (formerly Twitter) page on Monday, February 23, the presidential hopeful lamented alleged frustrations and chaos emanating from the ongoing UTME registration, which began on January 26 across the country.
Source: Twitter
According to the post on X, Peter Obi, a former Labour Party (LP) chieftain, wrote:
"Last year (2025), 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, following the proscription of several CBT centres over alleged infractions. The expectation was that corrective measures would follow. Sadly, as I passed there again last Friday (February 20, 2026), I met the same crowd and confusion.
"Upon further inquiry, I was informed that similar situations exist in some other states across Nigeria."
Legit.ng recalls that in March 2025, JAMB sanctioned 132 out of its 887 approved computer-based test (CBT) centres across Nigeria following the discovery of data mismatches during that year's UTME registration.
Infractions were reportedly discovered in one or two candidates per centre, amounting to 200 cases out of the over 2 million registered candidates.
In the same vein, in June 2025, the examination board recommended tough penalties for 11 CBT centres allegedly found culpable of UTME examination infractions. Penalties were recommended for CBT registrants involved in fingerprint irregularities during the UTME registration, with JAMB saying the sanctions were intended to protect the integrity of the examination process.
Also, in January, JAMB ruled that any CBT centre whose registration activities cannot be monitored remotely will not be allowed to participate in the 2026 UTME registration.
Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the registrar of JAMB, said all CBT centres participating in the 2026 UTME registration would be monitored live from the national headquarters in Abuja. He, however, stated that any centre that cannot be covered or viewed live from the board headquarters will not be able to register and hold the 2026 UTME.
Reacting to JAMB’s investigation of certain centres, Obi defended the institutes, albeit with a condition.
He said:
"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. If it is difficult to approve new centres quickly, the authorities could still make temporary use of previously approved centres under close supervision to ease the pressure on state offices."
Read Peter Obi's X post below:
Obi speaks amid JAMB deadline
The former Anambra governor added:
"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.
"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."
Source: Twitter
Read more JAMB and UTME news:
- JAMB changes public universities’ admissions deadline, new date emerges
- Brilliant girl who scored 293 in JAMB, 60% in post-UTME denied admission after 2 attempts, cries out
- Drama as JAMB officials storm out of reps hearing amid heated exchange
- Man who was denied admission by UNIZIK shares how he scored 338 in JAMB, got dream course
UTME 2026: JAMB releases registration guidelines
Legit.ng also reported that JAMB released detailed guidelines for registering candidates for the 2026 UTME.
Prospective candidates must have a National Identification Number (NIN), a valid email address, and other required details.
Candidates were also expected to visit the nearest JAMB office or any approved CBT Centre to complete their registration.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
