JAMB Exams Under Watch As Security Concerns Rise Across Nigeria
Heightened Security as UTME Begins Nationwide
THE 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has commenced across Nigeria under intensified security arrangements, following concerns over candidate safety, examination integrity, and the broader insecurity challenges facing parts of the country.
Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in several states witnessed increased presence of police officers, civil defence personnel, traffic marshals, and local security operatives as thousands of candidates sat for the first phase of the high-stakes examination. Authorities said the measures were designed to ensure smooth movement, prevent criminal incidents, and maintain order at examination venues.
The UTME, conducted annually by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), is the primary gateway into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in Nigeria.
Why Security Has Become a Major Concern
Security around public examinations has become increasingly important in recent years due to kidnappings, bandit attacks, urban crime, and logistical disruptions in some regions.
Education stakeholders note that many CBT centres are located in busy urban districts or semi-rural areas where candidates often travel long distances before dawn. This exposes teenagers and young adults to transport risks, extortion, harassment, and possible criminal threats.
Parents in some states reportedly expressed anxiety over early reporting times, especially for candidates expected to arrive at centres hours before scheduled examinations.
Analysts say the security conversation around UTME reflects a larger national issue: access to education is becoming tied not only to academic preparation, but also to physical safety.
Police Move to Calm Public Fears
The Nigeria Police Force moved to reassure the public by dismissing rumours of targeted threats against examination centres and confirming deployments nationwide.
Security officials said patrol teams had been stationed around major centres, while commands were directed to monitor traffic routes and respond rapidly to emergencies.
Some states also coordinated with transport unions and local authorities to manage congestion near examination venues, where large crowds of candidates and parents often gather.
Digital Exams, Physical Challenges
Although the UTME has largely transitioned into a computer-based format, the exam still depends heavily on physical infrastructure: power supply, internet stability, road access, and secure facilities.
Experts say this creates a paradox. While CBT systems reduce paper leakages and streamline marking, they also require candidates to converge at fixed centres, increasing pressure on transport networks and local security systems.
In several previous exam cycles, candidates reported late arrivals caused by traffic, fuel scarcity, or distance from assigned centres.
Calls for Decentralisation and Better Planning
Education advocates are urging JAMB and relevant authorities to further decentralise CBT centres, expand accredited facilities, and improve scheduling to reduce early-morning travel.
They argue that exam success should not depend on whether a candidate can safely reach a centre located far from home.
There are also calls for stronger emergency communication channels for candidates facing security or transport disruptions on examination days.
Beyond the Examination Hall
For millions of candidates, the UTME is more than an entrance test—it is a life-defining opportunity. But the growing focus on security suggests that academic ambition in Nigeria increasingly operates within a wider environment of uncertainty.
As the examination continues nationwide, authorities will be judged not only by how smoothly the computers function, but by how safely candidates are able to pursue their future.
