The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has given the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) a 72-hour ultimatum to review the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) schedule, citing security concerns. The student body has demanded that no candidate be required to sit for the exam before 9 a.m. to ensure their safety and well-being.
In a statement signed by NANS President Comrade Olushola Oladoja and National Public Relations Officer Samson Adeyemi, the association criticized the current exam timetable, which has scheduled exams as early as 6 a.m. The students argue that the early timing of the exams exposes candidates to avoidable dangers, especially those who must travel long distances to their exam centers.
According to NANS, many candidates are forced to leave their homes before 6 a.m. to meet the early exam times and biometric verification deadlines, which can be a risk given the security challenges in various parts of Nigeria. The statement described the scheduling as “insensitive,” particularly in light of the prevailing security situation in the country, where students often have to navigate unsafe routes or face transportation difficulties to reach their centers on time.
NANS also expressed concern about the impact of such scheduling on students from rural areas or those who have to travel from distant locations. With the increase in criminal activities and insecurity, students could be exposed to risks such as robbery, kidnapping, or attacks during early morning travels.
“NANS strongly condemns the insensitive scheduling of the UTME by JAMB,” the statement read. “The decision to have exams so early in the morning, especially when students are forced to travel long distances in the dark, is both inconsiderate and dangerous.”
The association is calling for a change in the UTME schedule, demanding that no student be made to sit for an exam before 9 a.m. The student body also called on the Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, to intervene and ensure that the safety and security of students are prioritized.
“We urge the Honourable Minister of Education to intervene and ensure that students are not placed in harm’s way due to poor planning,” NANS said, while warning that they would resort to mass protests if their demands are not met. The students expressed their willingness to take further action if JAMB fails to adjust the timetable within the next 72 hours, which would see the implementation of their protests.
The NANS leadership is particularly concerned about the exposure of students to the dangers of traveling in the early hours, with reports indicating that some students have had to endure long and unsafe journeys just to get to their exam centers in time. The student body stated that the UTME, being a crucial exam for admission into tertiary institutions, should be conducted with the utmost care and consideration for the students’ well-being.
NANS further called on JAMB to adopt a more student-friendly approach when scheduling future exams, taking into account the realities of security concerns, the varying locations of candidates, and the need for students to have sufficient time to prepare and travel without the added stress of early morning commutes.
This development comes at a time when security challenges across the country continue to affect the daily lives of Nigerians, especially students. In many parts of the country, armed groups, kidnappers, and criminals target individuals traveling at night or early in the morning, making it a highly dangerous period for anyone on the road.
NANS has also asked for an urgent review of the way examinations are scheduled, suggesting that a more flexible approach should be adopted to ensure that no student is left at risk due to poor timing or logistical challenges.
“We want to emphasize that the safety of students should not be compromised for the sake of adhering to an inconvenient timetable,” said Comrade Olushola Oladoja, President of NANS. “The academic success of students is important, but their safety is paramount.”
The student body has expressed hope that the relevant authorities, including JAMB and the Ministry of Education, will take immediate steps to address their concerns before the expiration of the 72-hour ultimatum. Failure to do so, according to NANS, will result in a nationwide protest, which would bring attention to the dangerous situation students are being forced to endure.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, has yet to make an official comment on the matter, but with the pressure mounting from NANS, it is expected that discussions will soon take place regarding a review of the UTME scheduling.
