Frustration is mounting among candidates and parents over the conduct of the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, particularly over the allocation of centres far from candidates’ places of residence.
The complaints follow an earlier disruption at the Utako Success CBT Centre in Abuja, where JAMB cancelled a scheduled examination session and announced that affected candidates would be rescheduled.
In the wake of the cancellation, several candidates and their guardians have raised fresh concerns about being posted to distant examination centres, describing the situation as stressful and financially draining.
Many parents said the development has imposed unexpected costs, as families struggle to arrange transportation and, in some cases, accommodation.
“This is very difficult for us. We were not prepared to travel such long distances for an exam that should be closer to home,” a parent said.
Candidates also expressed fears of missing their exams due to delays associated with long-distance travel.
The situation has sparked wider concerns about the planning and fairness of JAMB’s centre allocation process, with calls for improved coordination to reduce the burden on candidates.
While JAMB has yet to respond directly to the latest complaints, the board had earlier assured that no candidate would be disadvantaged and that necessary adjustments would be made where disruptions occur.
Parents and candidates have been advised to remain calm as the examination body addresses the emerging challenges.