UTME 2026: Obi Raises Alarm Over Registration Congestion In Anambra
Mounting congestion and administrative pressure at a major examination registration centre in Anambra State have drawn fresh concern from the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who says candidates risk missing the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) through no fault of theirs.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, raised the issue in a statement published Monday on his verified X handle, drawing attention to persistent registration difficulties at the Amawbia office of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Awka South Local Government Area.
According to him, the situation mirrors challenges reported during the previous registration cycle, particularly after several Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres were proscribed nationwide over alleged infractions.
“Last year, concerns were raised about the hardship students faced at various centres across the country, particularly at the Amawbia, Anambra State, office of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, following the proscription of several CBT centres over alleged infractions,” Obi stated.
He added that expectations of corrective measures had not materialised. “Sadly, as I passed there again last Friday, I met the same crowd and confusion. Upon further inquiry, I was informed that similar situations exist in some other states across Nigeria,” he wrote.
The UTME, conducted annually by JAMB, serves as Nigeria’s centralised entrance examination into tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. Over the years, the board has transitioned fully to computer-based testing as part of reforms aimed at reducing malpractice and improving efficiency. However, the accreditation and monitoring of CBT centres remain a recurring operational challenge.
JAMB has consistently maintained that centres found culpable of technical or ethical violations are sanctioned to preserve the integrity of the examination process. While Obi acknowledged that regulatory actions may be justified, he urged what he described as a more “balanced and humane approach.”
“While authorities may have valid reasons for sanctioning centres, 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,” he stated.
He further suggested interim administrative solutions. “If it is difficult to approve new centres quickly, the authorities could still make temporary use of previously approved centres under close supervision to ease the pressure on state offices.”
Registration for the 2026 UTME is scheduled to close on February 26, a deadline that Obi said could leave some candidates stranded, particularly those from remote communities.
“With registration ending on the 26th, the consequences are serious. Many candidates travel from distant villages, some even sleeping in Awka to secure access,” he said. “If nothing urgent is done, some will miss the examination — not for lack of preparation, but because the system failed them.”
Available data from JAMB indicate that over one million candidates have already registered for the 2026 examination cycle. The board has repeatedly advised prospective candidates to commence registration early, warning against last-minute applications that could be affected by biometric verification issues, network disruptions or documentation errors.
The UTME has witnessed steady growth in participation over the past decade, with annual candidate figures often exceeding 1.5 million nationwide. This surge places sustained pressure on registration infrastructure, particularly in states with high student populations and limited accredited CBT facilities.
Although Obi’s statement reflects concerns specific to Amawbia, he indicated that similar bottlenecks may be occurring in other parts of the country. As of press time, JAMB had not issued a fresh public response specifically addressing the Anambra concerns raised in his statement. Previous communications from the board have emphasised its commitment to transparency, standardisation and strict compliance by CBT centres.