Parent Voices Safety Fears Over Daughter's JAMB Centre in Jos
A Nigerian parent has raised significant safety concerns after discovering her daughter's assigned examination centre for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Jos, Plateau State. The mother, Klingret Patience Anthony, expressed alarm in a Facebook post on Wednesday, April 15, following the release of examination slips by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Family's Deep Concerns Over Location
According to Anthony, the family resides in Jos South but discovered their teenage daughter had been assigned to an examination centre in Jos North, specifically in what she described as a Hausa settlement area. "My husband and I have been deeply concerned since last night," she wrote. "We noticed that her exam centre is located in a Hausa settlement. Given the recent reports of insecurity and missing persons, we are seriously considering withdrawing her from the exam, as we cannot confidently guarantee her safety in that area."
Questioning JAMB's Allocation System
The parent questioned the logic behind JAMB's centre allocation system, particularly why residential addresses appear not to be fully considered in placement decisions. "Why are candidates not assigned to centres closer to their homes? What is the purpose of collecting their residential addresses if they are still posted far away?" she asked. Anthony emphasized that the family's decision about whether their daughter will sit for the examination depends entirely on receiving adequate safety assurances.
"Her safety comes first, and we cannot allow the 'anyhowness' of this country to put an innocent child at risk," she stated firmly, highlighting the family's dilemma between educational opportunity and personal security.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerians Online
The parent's outcry has sparked widespread reactions across social media platforms, with Nigerians expressing diverse opinions about security concerns and possible solutions.
Anthony Shedrack Takven suggested practical measures: "How about you attach her with an adult who will be with her throughout, to and fro? The situation is a bit calm, although one still has to be careful."
Ferrari Jones offered reassurance: "The Plateau state police command has deployed necessary measures to protect all JAMB centres. Feel free, dear. Don't withdraw. The Lord is with her."
Yosi Zandi Kenneth Kazah shared personal observations: "They have deployed security to all centres. The situation is relatively calm. I was at Gangare two days ago. We have all gone to mingle and do business again. Please don't withdraw her; most of the teenagers in my church are in such centres, and we're in Jos South too. They'll all go and take their exams."
Asad Imam Mabudi proposed administrative action: "I suggest you get in touch with the JAMB Plateau state branch; they may change the location for her. I saw a post about that recently, where some people changed location for the JAMB exams."
Broader Context of UTME 2026 Concerns
This incident occurs as JAMB recently opened its reprint portal, allowing candidates nationwide to check their Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, examination dates, and reporting times ahead of the crucial nationwide examination. The development highlights ongoing challenges in examination administration amid security considerations in various regions of Nigeria.
In a related development, another JAMB candidate expressed frustration after checking her UTME 2026 slip, though her concerns focused on logistical rather than security issues. The broader conversation reflects the complex interplay between educational access, administrative efficiency, and security considerations in Nigeria's examination system.
