UTME: Peter Obi decries JAMB’s shoddy treatment of Nigerian students

Peter Obi has appealed to the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board management to review its administrative approach, as reported blacklisting of 17 out of 28 approved centres in Anambra has brought difficulty to admission-seeking candidates.
Mr Obi’s plea, on Friday, followed his recent trip through Amawbia, in Anambra, where he observed a large gathering of students at the state’s JAMB headquarters.
According to Mr Obi, students at the scene revealed that they were there to make important changes to their choices of institutions and courses, following the inability to receive such services at the different designated CBT centrEs in the state.
The students stated that most CBT centers in Anambra have been barred from providing such services.
Mr Obi stated, “When I inquired why they weren’t using those centres, their response was disheartening: most of the CBT centres had stopped offering the service, leaving them with few or no alternatives.
“Further investigation revealed that out of 28 JAMB-approved centres (CBTs) in Anambra State, 17 have been blacklisted. Sadly, many of the affected centres were not even informed of the specific reasons behind this action. The explanation given was the vague phrase: ‘under investigation’.”
Decrying the aftermath of the prevailing situation, Mr Obi stated that the current reality had caused students repeated long trips, as well as financial, physical, and emotional strains.
Mr Obi said, “These young Nigerians—already grappling with immense pressure—now face even greater financial, physical, and emotional strain. The challenges they confront have prevented many from transferring to their preferred institutions, placing their academic futures at serious risk. To make matters worse, several universities have already begun their post-UTME screening, leaving these students further disadvantaged and uncertain about their prospects.”
Describing the situation as avoidable, Mr Obi called on JAMB to adopt a student-friendly approach in the present circumstances, pending the outcome of its reported investigation into the blacklisted centres.
He said, “While JAMB may have valid reasons for blacklisting some centres, one must ask: could a more humane and transparent approach not have been adopted? Is it not possible to allow these centres to continue offering essential services under close monitoring, pending the outcome of investigations?”
Image Source: JAMB candidates at the Anambra Head office. Peter Obi.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

States
Museum unveils memorial sculpture to immortalise Onyeama N’Eke
The National Museum of Unity, Enugu, on Wednesday unveiled a memorial sculpture and a permanent exhibition gallery in honour of Onyeama N’Eke.

Health
Kwara assembly backs malaria elimination
The Kwara House of Assembly has reaffirmed support for efforts to eradicate malaria and expand healthcare infrastructure across the state.

NationWide
Tambuwal seeks review of housing agencies, better funding for FMBN
Mr Tambuwal called for stronger funding for the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and a review of government housing policies.

States
Oyo Terrorists: Senate honours slain soldiers, teachers with N50 million donation
Senate president Godwill Akpabio, who gave the approval during the plenary on Wednesday, stated that each of the five bereaved families would receive N10 million.

Anti-Corruption
Ghanaian socialite fraudster Abu Trica faces 20 years in U.S. prison
Abu Trica has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy.

Health
NANNM-FHI issues 15-Day ultimatum to FG over Kaduna Hospital crisis
The nurses gave an ultimatum that, if an alleged victimisation of its members at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Barnawa, Kaduna, was not addressed by July 29.





