Parents have criticised JAMB over chaotic UTME centre allocations, citing long-distance postings, safety concerns, and technical delays affecting candidates nationwide.
Parents and candidates across Nigeria have called for a major overhaul of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) centre allocation system following widespread logistical challenges during the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Many parents described the experience as exhausting and frightening after candidates were posted to distant and unfamiliar Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, far from their selected examination towns.
Reports indicate that some candidates were assigned centres several hours away from their residences, forcing them to travel very early in the morning or seek temporary accommodation in unfamiliar locations.
In some cases, families struggled to locate the exact venues due to poor address mapping and unclear directions.
Beyond distance challenges, candidates reportedly faced delays at certain centres caused by technical glitches, biometric verification issues, and network downtime.
These setbacks left students waiting for hours before sitting for their examinations, heightening anxiety during an already high-pressure academic exercise.
Parents also raised safety concerns, particularly for underage candidates who had to navigate long journeys in regions with security challenges.
The additional financial burden of unexpected transportation costs and logistics further intensified frustrations.
Stakeholders argue that while JAMB continues to expand access to tertiary education with record registration figures, greater attention must be paid to operational logistics, accurate mapping of centres, and proximity considerations during allocations.
They are urging the examination body to prioritise candidate safety, improve coordination with CBT centres, and enhance transparency in the allocation process to prevent similar disruptions in future examination cycles.
The UTME remains a critical gateway to higher education in Nigeria, with millions of candidates sitting for the exam annually.
Parents say ensuring a smooth and secure examination experience is essential to maintaining confidence in the system.