𝗝𝗔𝗠𝗕: 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗣𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 𝗙𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 — 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗢𝗯𝗶

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has urged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to urgently resolve the challenges currently affecting candidates registering for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), stressing that students must not be punished for system-related failures.

In a statement reacting to complaints from prospective candidates and parents across the country, Obi expressed concern over reports of technical glitches, payment issues and delays at registration centres. He said many young Nigerians are already under pressure due to the country’s economic realities, adding that any additional burden caused by administrative shortcomings is unacceptable.

Obi called on JAMB to ensure that candidates are not made to pay extra fees or suffer financial losses because of errors linked to the registration platform or technical infrastructure. According to him, institutions responsible for managing national examinations must prioritise efficiency, transparency and fairness to maintain public trust.

He also appealed to the examination body to improve communication with candidates, noting that clear information and timely updates would reduce confusion and frustration among applicants. The former Anambra State governor emphasised that education remains a critical pathway for national development and should not be hindered by avoidable bureaucratic problems.

While acknowledging JAMB’s role in managing a large-scale national process, Obi urged the board to deploy adequate technical support and introduce measures that would prevent future disruptions. He maintained that Nigerian students deserve a seamless registration process that reflects global standards.

JAMB is yet to issue a detailed response to Obi’s remarks, but the board has previously assured candidates that it is working to address technical concerns and ensure a smooth UTME registration exercise.