Peter Obi has called out the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for allegedly blacklisting 17 computer-based test (CBT) centres in Anambra, a move he says is causing hardship for students.
In a statement on Friday, the former Anambra governor recounted a “troubling scene” at the JAMB office in Amawbia, where he said a large crowd of students perched wearily on fences.
Obi said the students told him they were there to change their courses or institutions because the service was no longer available at most CBT centres in the state.
“Further investigation revealed that out of 28 JAMB-approved centres in Anambra State, 17 have been blacklisted,” the statement read.
Advertisement
“Sadly, many of the affected centres were not even informed of the specific reasons behind this action.”
Obi stated that the blacklisting has forced students to travel long distances and make multiple trips to the state office.
He also highlighted a sharp increase in costs, noting that a service that should cost around N1,500 now costs up to N15,000 at the JAMB office, “often padded by unofficial fees.”
Advertisement
Obi said the situation is putting the academic futures of the students at risk, as many are unable to make necessary changes before post-UTME screenings begin.
He urged JAMB to adopt a “more humane and transparent approach,” suggesting that the blacklisted centres could continue operating under close monitoring while investigations are underway.
“Education remains the hope of our nation. We must not allow bureaucratic bottlenecks and opacity to derail the dreams of our young people,” Obi said.
The former Anambra governor appealed to JAMB to prioritise the welfare of the students.
Advertisement
As of this report, TheCable has contacted JAMB’s national office to seek clarity on the matter.
