Jamb: NANS Urges to Delay UTME Start Time Over Student Safety Concerns
In a country grappling with persistent insecurity, the early morning scheduling of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)
has sparked outrage among students.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has now stepped in, demanding urgent reforms to protect candidates from undue risk.
Growing Outcry Over Early UTME Start Times
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB),
is a critical gateway for Nigerian students seeking admission into universities.
However, recent scheduling decisions have ignited a wave of concern and criticism.
According to the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the current 6:30 a.m.
start time for some UTME sessions poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of candidates across the nation.
The student body argues that this timing forces thousands of students many of whom are minors
to embark on early morning commutes through unsafe and poorly secured areas.
NANS Sounds the Alarm
Speaking through its National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, and National Public Relations Officer,
Comrade Samson Ajasa Adeyemi,
NANS condemned the scheduling as inconsiderate and dangerous.
The association pointed out that Nigeria’s worsening security situation makes it highly irresponsible to expect students to leave home as early as 4:00 a.m.
just to meet a 6:30 a.m. exam time.
“The current security climate in Nigeria demands that authorities take proactive steps to ensure students’ safety,
rather than putting them at risk,” the NANS statement read.
Risky Travel and Logistical Nightmares
Reports have surfaced from various parts of the country indicating that some UTME candidates
have to travel several kilometers often across states just to reach their assigned examination centers.
These journeys not only expose students to potential criminal activities but also create logistical nightmares for parents and guardians.
In rural and semi-urban areas, where transportation infrastructure is weak,
students are often left with no choice but to rely on commercial motorcycles or unreliable public buses, further heightening the risk.
Calls for a 9:00 A.M. Exam Start Time
To address this growing crisis, NANS is calling on JAMB to revise its exam timetable to begin no earlier than 9:00 a.m.
This, the association argues, will significantly reduce the risks associated with early morning travel and create a more favorable environment for academic performance.
“Examinations should not be a source of trauma,” Comrade Adeyemi emphasized.
“Students deserve to feel safe and confident on the day of their exams not anxious about how to arrive alive.”
Urging Government Intervention
NANS has also appealed to the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, to intervene decisively in the matter.
According to the student body, the Ministry of Education must take responsibility for ensuring that national examinations are conducted in a manner that prioritizes safety and equity.
Moreso,they also argue that with Nigeria’s current technological advancement,
better scheduling algorithms and resource allocation can solve this problem without disrupting the entire academic calendar.
A 72-Hour Ultimatum and Threat of Protest
In a bold move, NANS has given JAMB a 72-hour ultimatum to address their concerns.
Should the examination board fail to respond positively, the association warns it will mobilize students nationwide for a peaceful protest to demand immediate changes.
“Our students are not pawns in a bureaucratic game. Their lives matter. Their safety is non-negotiable,” said Comrade Oladoja.
A Call for Sensible Planning
Education stakeholders have also weighed in, urging JAMB to consider the physical and psychological stress that early exams place on candidates.
A few have suggested options like regional exam centers, staggered start times, and increased collaboration with state security agencies.
Many parents have also joined the call, expressing frustration over how the current exam schedule forces them to wake up as early as 3:00 a.m. to get their children to test centers.
Some parents have even had to spend the night near exam venues to ensure their children arrive on time and safely.
Students Speak Out
Several students shared their personal experiences with NIGPOST.
A UTME candidate from Kaduna said, “I had to leave my house at 4:15 a.m. and travel 15 kilometers in the dark.
I was so scared because of the kidnappings in our area. I couldn’t even focus properly during the exam.”
Another student in Lagos said, “We were told to be at the exam center by 6:00 a.m. but the gates didn’t open until 7:00 a.m.
We stood outside for almost an hour. It was stressful and unfair.”
What’s Next for JAMB?
With mounting pressure from students, parents, and education advocates, JAMB is now at a crossroads.
Will the examination board stick to its current schedule or make adjustments in the interest of national student safety?
The next few days will be crucial in determining how the situation unfolds.
One thing is clear: Nigerian students are no longer willing to remain silent when their safety and academic performance are on the line.
Do you think the UTME should start later in the day?
Share your thoughts in the comments and follow NIGPOST for real-time updates on education and student welfare across Nigeria.
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