The Joint Admissions and Admissions Committee (JAMB) responded to Peter Obi’s claim that examination institutions force teenagers seeking admission to travel in the dark to write exams.
In a statement posted on its verified X account on Sunday, April 27, Obi accused Jamb of taking public exams before 6:30 a.m. in an unfamiliar sense of insecurity.
Governor Anambra’s former governor described the situation as “reckless”, saying some students were reportedly missing, some involved in accidents, and many suffered unnecessary trauma.
Obi wrote: “Most teenagers aged 15-17 are forced to travel in the dark, spanning dangerous and unfamiliar places just to gain their right to education and take the JAMB exam. At 6:00 AM morning, reckless consultants conduct vulnerable teen exams. No recklessness is everywhere.
Obi further criticized the examination institutions and the government, saying the situation was a sign of a deeper system failure.
In a brief counter-argument, Jamb debunked Obi’s claim, saying there was no plan to start the exam at 6 a.m. The agency clarified that the 2025 UTME exam is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. and the verification and clearance process begins at 6:30 AM.
JAMB explains that early verification is designed to ensure candidates are addressed and ready before the exam begins. “Our exams are scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. rather than 6:00 a.m. Verification and clearance rates start at 6:30 a.m. to give candidates enough time to settle down,” Jamb said.
However, many Nigerians objected to Jab’s explanation, questioning why teenagers were required to arrive at the center as early as 6 a.m.
