Tension in Jos as Candidates Urge JAMB to Postpone 2026 UTME Over Security Concerns

Anxiety is mounting among candidates preparing for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Jos, Plateau State, as several prospective candidates have called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to consider adjusting the examination schedule due to worsening security concerns in parts of the city.

The appeal is coming mainly from candidates residing in Jos North Local Government Area, where recent violent incidents have heightened tension and created fears about safe movement across certain neighbourhoods ahead of the nationwide examination.

Many candidates said they are already printing their examination slips and preparing for the test, but are worried that insecurity and mobility restrictions could prevent them from accessing their assigned Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres on the examination day.

Some of the candidates are specifically urging JAMB to reopen its portal to allow them relocate their examination centres to safer locations within or outside the city, noting that travelling across divided communities could pose serious safety risks.

One of the candidates, Ibrahim Sallau, who was attempting to print his examination slip along Bauchi Road in Jos, expressed concern after discovering that his centre had been fixed in Gada Biyu, an area he described as unsafe under the current security situation.

Another candidate, James Caleb, also raised similar fears, explaining that his assigned centre along Bauchi Road may be difficult to access from Tudun Wada, particularly during periods of heightened tension in the city.

The concerns follow recent attacks by unidentified gunmen in parts of Jos which reportedly resulted in casualties and forced authorities to impose curfews in affected areas in an effort to restore calm. These developments have further complicated movement within the city, especially for candidates expected to travel across different neighbourhoods to sit for the examination.

Despite the growing concerns from candidates and parents, JAMB has yet to announce any official change to the UTME timetable. The UTME remains a critical requirement for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria, making attendance essential for candidates seeking university admission.

Education stakeholders say the situation presents a delicate challenge for the examination body, which must balance the integrity of a nationwide examination schedule with the safety and accessibility concerns of candidates in affected areas.

As the examination date approaches, candidates and parents in Jos are urging authorities to act swiftly by either rescheduling the exam in the affected areas, reopening the relocation portal, or creating special arrangements to ensure that no candidate is disadvantaged due to circumstances beyond their control.