Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has said Nigerian students should not be made to suffer for systemic failures within public institutions, particularly in the conduct of examinations.
Obi made the remarks in a statement posted on his verified X handle on Monday, reacting to complaints over the difficulties candidates face at various registration centres nationwide. He expressed concern over reports of overcrowding, confusion, and delays at several offices of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The former Anambra State governor specifically referenced the situation at the JAMB office in Amawbia, following the proscription of multiple computer-based test (CBT) centres over alleged infractions. According to him, while corrective action was expected after the closures, the situation on ground has remained largely unchanged.
Obi noted that during a recent visit to the Amawbia office, he encountered the same congestion and disorder previously observed. He added that similar conditions reportedly exist in other states, compounding the hardship faced by candidates.
While acknowledging that authorities may have legitimate reasons for sanctioning erring centres, Obi argued that a more balanced and humane approach is necessary. He suggested that centres under investigation could be allowed to operate on a limited basis under strict supervision, while previously approved centres could be temporarily reactivated to ease pressure on state offices.
He warned that with registration scheduled to end on the 26th, many candidates risk missing the examination due to administrative bottlenecks rather than lack of preparedness. Obi stressed that students, some of whom travel long distances and sleep overnight in cities like Awka to secure access, should not bear the consequences of institutional shortcomings.
“What is required now is not blame, but swift and compassionate intervention,” he said, calling for urgent measures to ensure that no student’s future is jeopardised by avoidable system failures.
