JAMB and Police Dismiss Safety Concerns as 2.2 Million Candidates Prepare for UTME
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Examination Board (JAMB) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have jointly addressed and dismissed circulating rumors regarding potential insecurity that could disrupt the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In a coordinated effort to ensure a smooth and secure examination process, both authorities have implemented proactive measures to safeguard the interests of over 2.2 million candidates scheduled to participate.
Enhanced Security Measures Announced
During a joint press briefing held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the Police Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, emphasized that security has been significantly bolstered across all examination centers nationwide. He categorically stated that rumors about unsafe conditions in certain centers, particularly in a North Central State, are unfounded and without basis. The NPF has deployed additional security personnel, both overtly and covertly, to conduct routine patrols, perimeter checks, and maintain rapid response teams at strategic locations.
Placid further explained, "The Nigeria Police Force is collaborating closely with sister security agencies to monitor and address potential threats effectively. Any individual or group attempting to disrupt the examination process will be swiftly identified and brought to justice." This reassurance aims to build public confidence and ensure that candidates, parents, and stakeholders can focus on the academic aspects of the examination without undue worry.
Adjustments to Examination Schedules
In response to specific concerns, JAMB has made strategic adjustments to the examination timetable, particularly in flashpoint areas such as Plateau State. The board announced that the arrival time for early morning sessions in these regions has been shifted from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., with examinations commencing at 8:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. in some locations. This modification is designed to allow security agencies ample time to establish control and ensure a safe environment before candidates arrive.
Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the spokesperson for JAMB, clarified that these adjustments are limited to the early morning sessions and are part of a broader strategy to mitigate risks. He noted that JAMB has engaged with the Plateau State Commissioner of Police and received firm assurances regarding the safety of all candidates. Benjamin stressed, "We are assuring that with the police and other security agencies, there will be no problems. This is to allow the security agencies to take full charge."
Logistical Considerations and Public Advisory
Addressing why JAMB did not relocate candidates from high-risk areas, Benjamin explained that such decisions are beyond the board's purview. He highlighted that candidates themselves choose their examination centers based on convenience, such as proximity to their homes, and moving them could create significant logistical challenges. Instead, JAMB and the NPF are focusing on enhancing security measures to protect candidates in their chosen locations.
The Nigeria Police Force has urged candidates to arrive early at their centers, adhere strictly to examination regulations, and report any suspicious activities to on-site security personnel. Additionally, the public is advised to disregard unverified information circulating on social media and rely solely on official updates from JAMB and the NPF. This collaborative approach underscores a commitment to maintaining peace and security during national activities like the UTME.
As the examination period approaches, both JAMB and the NPF remain dedicated to ensuring a conducive and secure environment for all participants, reinforcing the importance of education and safety in Nigeria's academic landscape.
