Mr Peter Obi, 2023 presidential candidate has pleaded with the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to employ a more humane and compassionate approach in handling some situations affecting prospective undergraduates.
In a statement on his official Facebook page in Friday, the former Anambra Governor recounted how he met a large crowd of students gathered outside the JAMB office in Amawbia in Anambra during his passage.
He stated that when he stopped and enquired why they were there, it was revealed that the students had gathered to change their course or institution choices.
According to him, the situation was so bad that some had to perch fences at the office while it seemed nothing was being done.
He said; “Some even perched precariously on the fence. The scene was striking and may likely be the same in some other states across the country. Troubled by what I saw, I stopped to speak with a few of the students. They explained that they were there to make changes to their course or institution choices. I found this surprising, as such services are ordinarily processed at JAMB-designated CBT centres.”
Obi further stated that the students revealed that they had to go all the way to the JAMB office because the board had flagged some CBT centres resulting to their halt in offering the service.
He described he situation as disheartening adding that; “Further investigation revealed that out of 28 JAMB-approved centres ( CBTs)in Anambra State, 17 have been blacklisted. Sadly, many of the affected centres were not even informed of the specific reasons behind this action. The explanation given was the vague phrase: ‘under investigation’.”
To the board, Obi highlighted the consequences of such inhumane approach to handling whatever situation there was at hand no matter how valid.
He added; “The consequences of this are far-reaching. Students are now forced to travel long distances – sometimes from remote parts of the state – just to access basic services at the JAMB state office. From my interaction with the students, I learnt that many have made up to five unsuccessful trips before being attended to. What is more troubling is the sharp increase in the cost of processing these changes: a service that should ordinarily cost around ₦1,500 at accredited centres now costs up to ₦15,000 at the JAMB office – often padded by unofficial fees.
“These young Nigerians—already grappling with immense pressure—now face even greater financial, physical, and emotional strain. The challenges they confront have prevented many from transferring to their preferred institutions, placing their academic futures at serious risk. To make matters worse, several universities have already begun their post-UTME screening, leaving these students further disadvantaged and uncertain about their prospects.”
He lamented that making he students suffer alongside their parents at this time when the country is grappling with severe economic hardship, rising insecurity, and high youth unemployment in unjust and avoidable.
Obi questioned that; “Could a more humane and transparent approach not have been adopted? Is it not possible to allow these centres to continue offering essential services under close monitoring, pending the outcome of investigations?”
He emphasized that education remains the hope of the nation and it would make no sense allowing bureaucratic bottlenecks and opacity to derail the dreams of the young people.
“I appeal to JAMB to reconsider its position and embrace a more compassionate and efficient response that makes the welfare of the students a priority,” he concluded.
