The Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over difficulties faced by candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Amawbia, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
In a statement shared via his X handle on Monday, Obi lamented the hardship experienced by students at the Amawbia office of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), describing the situation as a repeat of last year’s challenges.
He recalled that concerns were previously raised about congestion and confusion at various centres nationwide, particularly at the Amawbia office, following the proscription of several Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres 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.
The former Anambra State governor noted that while authorities may have valid reasons for sanctioning CBT centres, students should not bear the consequences of systemic shortcomings.
“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,” he suggested.
With the registration deadline set for February 26, Obi warned of serious consequences for candidates, especially those travelling from remote rural communities.
“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,” he said.
His remarks come amid reports of registration challenges in parts of the country, even as JAMB disclosed that over one million candidates have registered for the 2026 UTME.
The board has consistently advised prospective candidates to apply early and avoid technical issues such as biometric challenges and late submissions.
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