Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has called for urgent and compassionate intervention to address the hardship faced by candidates registering for examinations conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Obi expressed concern over the situation at JAMB’s office in Amawbia, Anambra State, where large crowds and confusion reportedly persist following the proscription of several Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres over alleged infractions.
He noted that similar challenges are being experienced in other states across the country, raising fears that many candidates could miss the registration deadline scheduled for the 26th.
“Last year, concerns were raised about the hardship students faced at various centres across the country, particularly at the Amawbia office, following the proscription of several CBT centres.
The expectation was that corrective measures would follow. Sadly, as I passed there again last Friday, I met the same crowd and confusion,” Obi said.
While acknowledging that authorities may have valid reasons for sanctioning affected centres, the former governor argued that a more balanced and humane approach is possible.
“Centres under investigation could be allowed to continue offering limited services under strict monitoring to prevent further lapses.
If it is difficult to approve new centres quickly, the authorities could make temporary use of previously approved centres under close supervision to ease the pressure on state offices,” he suggested.
Obi warned that the consequences of inaction could be severe, particularly for candidates travelling from distant communities.
“Many candidates travel from distant villages, some even sleeping in Awka to secure access. If nothing urgent is done, some will miss the examination not for lack of preparation, but because the system failed them,” he said.
He stressed that students should not bear the burden of administrative shortcomings.
“Students cannot be made to suffer the failings of a system to which we have all, in one way or another, contributed. What is required now is not blame, but swift and compassionate intervention to ensure that no young person’s future is jeopardised by avoidable administrative bottlenecks,” Obi added.
The call comes amid growing concerns over access, logistics, and capacity challenges at JAMB registration centres nationwide.