Peter Obi Raises Alarm Over JAMB Failures, Says Students’ Futures at Risk

Peter Obi has raised concerns over a growing issue affecting students and has urged relevant authorities to act with greater transparency, compassion, and urgency to safeguard their future.

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over the growing hardship faced by students trying to access basic services from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), following a surprise encounter at the JAMB office in Amawbia, Anambra State.

Obi, who shared his observations on social media, recounted seeing a large crowd of students—some even climbing fences—desperately attempting to make changes to their course or institution choices. According to the students, many accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres had ceased offering such services, forcing them to rely solely on the overcrowded state office.

Further inquiries revealed that 17 out of 28 JAMB-approved CBT centres in Anambra had been blacklisted—many reportedly without a clear explanation beyond the phrase “under investigation.” Obi expressed concern that these closures have left students with no accessible alternatives.

“Many of them have made up to five unsuccessful trips before being attended to,” Obi noted. “And what should cost ₦1,500 now costs up to ₦15,000 due to unofficial charges.”

He warned that the current situation risks derailing the academic future of many young Nigerians, especially as some universities have already commenced post-UTME screenings—leaving affected students behind.

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“This is happening amidst worsening economic hardship, insecurity, and youth unemployment,” Obi said. “It is unjust and avoidable.”

While acknowledging that JAMB may have legitimate reasons for investigating certain centres, Obi urged the agency to adopt a more humane and transparent approach—suggesting that blacklisted centres be monitored rather than shut down entirely during investigations.

“Education remains the hope of our nation. We must not allow bureaucratic bottlenecks to crush the dreams of our young people,” he said.

Obi concluded with a direct appeal to JAMB to prioritize the welfare of students in its policy decisions, emphasizing that the future of the nation rests in their hands.