UTME 2026 Exam Disrupted by Power Outage in Ogun State
In a significant setback for education in Nigeria, about 250 candidates sitting for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) were forced out of their test mid-exam due to a power disruption at a computer-based test centre in Ogun state. The incident occurred at Olive House Academy College, located along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Mowe, during the 9:00 a.m. session on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Details of the Power Disruption
According to reports and a video shared on social media platform X on Wednesday, April 22, the disruption happened when the power supply at the centre switched from a generator to a solar system, causing candidates to be suddenly logged out of their exams. The video showed numerous students appearing worried and upset, with some parents present at the centre expressing anger and disappointment over the situation. They voiced concerns that this incident could negatively impact the candidates' chances of completing their examination successfully.
JAMB's Silence and Uncertainty Over Resit Arrangements
As of the time of reporting, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has not released any official statement regarding the incident. This lack of communication has led to ongoing uncertainty about whether JAMB will organize a resit exam for the affected students. Additionally, there are unconfirmed claims that similar power-related problems have been reported by candidates in other parts of the country, though these allegations have not been verified by authorities.
Public Reaction and Criticism
Users on X reacted with frustration and concern after the video of the UTME disruption surfaced. One user, @daddysugar2023, criticized the centres for inadequate preparation, suggesting they should have informed candidates ahead of time or used uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). Another user, @AUTA_1111111, lamented Nigeria's unreliable electricity, calling it a "blackout nation" and questioning why younger students must endure such hardships. @THE_CUR8OR highlighted the broader issue of centres jeopardizing students' futures without accountability, while @Youthinprocess urged students to demand stronger accountability from JAMB, citing a pattern of errors under current education leadership.
Some comments also touched on broader criticisms of JAMB's practices, such as delays in score releases and monetization through scratch cards, though these points were not directly related to the specific incident. The overall sentiment reflects widespread dissatisfaction with the handling of national examinations and infrastructure challenges in Nigeria's education sector.
Broader Implications for Education in Nigeria
This incident underscores ongoing issues with power reliability and examination administration in Nigeria. It raises questions about the preparedness of CBT centres and the need for robust contingency plans to prevent such disruptions. As candidates and parents await JAMB's response, the event highlights the urgent need for improvements in infrastructure and transparency within the education system to ensure fair and credible processes for all students.
