Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has expressed worry over the challenges faced by applicants in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area, Anambra State, as they register for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Obi bemoaned the difficulties faced by students at the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s Amawbia office in a message posted on his X handle on Monday, calling the circumstances a rerun of those encountered the previous year.
“Last year, concerns were raised about the hardship students faced at various centers across the country, particularly at the Amawbia, Anambra State, office of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, following the proscription of several CBT centers over alleged infractions.
“The expectation was that corrective measures would follow. Sadly, as I passed there again last Friday, I met the same crowd and confusion. Upon further inquiry, I was informed that similar situations exist in some other states across Nigeria,” he said.
While authorities may have good reasons for approving computer-based testing centers, the former governor of Anambra State pointed out that a more balanced strategy should be taken to avoid children having to deal with the fallout.
“While authorities may have valid reasons for sanctioning centers, a more balanced and humane approach is possible. Centers under investigation could be allowed to continue offering limited services under strict monitoring to prevent further lapses.
“If it is difficult to approve new centers quickly, the authorities could still make temporary use of previously approved centers under close supervision to ease the pressure on state offices,” he stated.
Obi emphasized the severe repercussions for candidates, especially those from isolated rural communities, as the registration deadline of February 26 draws near.
“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,” Obi said.
He went on to say that structural flaws shouldn’t cause pupils to suffer.
Obi’s remarks coincide with reports of difficulties in 2026 UTME registration across the country, despite JAMB’s claim that over a million candidates have already registered.
In the past, the board had cautioned against technical traps such as biometric problems and late deadlines and encouraged early applications.
