Peter Obi Raises Alarm Over UTME Registration Crisis in Anambra, Urges Immediate JAMB Reforms!
Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi (Journalist) | Sele Media Africa
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi has decried what he described as widespread hardship faced by students during the ongoing registration for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Anambra State.
In a public statement, Obi expressed concern over reports of technical disruptions, long queues, and limited access to accredited registration centres across parts of the state. He warned that the situation risks undermining equal access to tertiary education for thousands of candidates preparing for the 2026 entrance examinations.
The UTME, conducted annually by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), is a prerequisite examination for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Concerns Over Access and Equity
Obi stated that students in Anambra have reportedly endured extended waiting hours, transportation difficulties, and repeated attempts to complete biometric capture and online registration due to alleged system glitches and insufficient facilities.
He described the experience as “traumatic and avoidable,” emphasising that education remains a critical pillar of national development and should not be encumbered by preventable administrative challenges.
According to him, the difficulties disproportionately affect students from low-income households who may lack the resources to travel repeatedly to registration centres or access stable internet services.
Call for JAMB Intervention
Obi urged JAMB to urgently investigate the reported challenges and implement what he termed a “humane and equitable solution.” He called for expanded registration centres, improved technical infrastructure, and flexibility in registration timelines to ensure no eligible candidate is disenfranchised.
While JAMB has consistently maintained that it deploys accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide to ensure smooth registration and examination processes, periodic reports of congestion and technical disruptions have surfaced in previous examination cycles, particularly during peak registration periods.
As of press time, JAMB had not issued a specific response to Obi’s concerns regarding Anambra State. However, the board has, in the past, reassured candidates of its commitment to improving digital systems and widening access.
Broader Implications
Education stakeholders note that the UTME remains one of the most competitive examinations in Nigeria, with millions of candidates registering annually. Any disruption at the registration stage could have significant implications for academic progression and social mobility.
Observers say Obi’s intervention reflects broader public anxiety over infrastructure readiness and digital capacity in Nigeria’s education sector. They argue that addressing these structural challenges requires sustained investment, transparency, and responsive public administration.
As registration continues nationwide, attention now turns to how JAMB and relevant authorities will respond to the concerns raised in Anambra and whether systemic adjustments will be introduced to prevent further disruption.
Sources
The Punch
Premium Times
The Guardian Nigeria
Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.
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