The National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, has strongly condemned the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, for scheduling the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, at times as early as 6.30 a.m.
The student body, represented by Comrade Olushola Oladoja, the national president, and Comrade Samson Ajasa Adeyemi, the national public relations officer, issued a statement on Sunday endorsing the decision, saying it is dangerous and inconsiderate given the country’s current security issues.
“It is deeply troubling that students are expected to commute to examination centres in the early hours of the morning, often navigating unsafe routes and facing transportation difficulties.
“Reports indicate that some candidates have had to travel long distances, exposing them to unnecessary risks.
“The current security climate in Nigeria demands that authorities prioritise the safety and well-being of students rather than subjecting them to undue hardship.
“NANS calls on JAMB to immediately review and adjust the examination schedule to ensure that no student is required to sit for an exam before 9 a.m.
“We urge the Honourable Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, to intervene and ensure that students are not placed in harm’s way due to poor planning.
“We hereby issue a 72-hour ultimatum to JAMB to revise the UTME schedule and adopt a more student-friendly approach. Failure to comply will leave NANS with no choice but to mobilise students nationwide for peaceful protests to demand immediate action.
“The welfare and security of Nigerian students must never be compromised.
“NANS remains committed to advocating for policies that protect students and ensure their academic pursuits are not hindered by avoidable challenges.”
