‘Students Must Not Pay for System Failures’ — Obi Raises Alarm Over JAMB Centres

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for urgent intervention to address challenges faced by candidates registering for examinations conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), warning that students must not bear the consequences of administrative shortcomings.

In a statement posted on his X handle on Monday morning, Obi expressed concern over what he described as recurring hardship at JAMB centres, particularly in Anambra State.

“Last year, concerns were raised about the hardship students faced at various centres across the country, particularly at the Amawbia, Anambra State, office of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, following the proscription of several CBT centres over alleged infractions,” he said.

According to him, expectations that corrective measures would be implemented have not been met. He noted that during a recent visit to Amawbia, he observed “the same crowd and confusion,” adding that inquiries revealed similar situations in other states.

While acknowledging that authorities may have legitimate grounds for sanctioning Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, Obi urged a more measured response to prevent unintended hardship for candidates.

“While authorities may have valid reasons for sanctioning centres, a more balanced and humane approach is possible,” he stated.

He proposed that centres under investigation could be permitted to offer limited services under strict supervision, while previously approved centres could be temporarily re-engaged to reduce pressure on state offices if the approval of new centres proves difficult.

With the registration deadline set for the 26th, Obi warned of serious consequences for candidates, particularly those travelling long distances to complete their registration.

“Many candidates travel from distant villages, some even sleeping in Awka to secure access. If nothing urgent is done, some will miss the examination — not for lack of preparation, but because the system failed them,” he said.

He emphasised that students should not be penalised for institutional inefficiencies, calling for immediate and compassionate action.

“Students cannot be made to suffer the failings of a system to which we have all, in one way or another, contributed. What is required now is not blame, but swift and compassionate intervention to ensure that no young person’s future is jeopardised by avoidable administrative bottlenecks,” Obi added.