UTME 2026: Students, parents raise alarm over postings to Plateau-attacked communities

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

Students and parents in Jos have expressed concern over safety ahead of the forthcoming Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations, citing recent security challenges in the state.

The apprehension follows reports of attacks in some communities across Plateau State, particularly in Jos North, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Bassa and other local government areas, where candidates have been posted to sit for the examination.

The development has heightened fears among candidates and their families over their safety.

One of the candidates, Afodia Joseph, lamented her posting to Bokkos, describing the area as volatile in view of recent incidents.

She questioned how her safety would be guaranteed, adding that she is anxious about travelling to and writing her examination in the community.

Similarly, another candidate, John Lazarus, expressed concern over being posted to a centre in the Katako area.

He said the prevailing security situation has left him worried, noting that he is uncertain about the level of protection available to candidates.

Parents have also voiced their fears, calling on relevant authorities to take proactive steps to ensure the safety of their children.

Mrs Roseline Moses, who spoke with our correspondent, stressed that the safety of candidates must be prioritised, especially in areas with known security challenges.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Jos North LGA Chapter, Alhaji Abdullahi Salihu Malami, has called on JAMB to urgently review its candidate posting strategy ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Malami said the call followed complaints from concerned parents and stakeholders, including faith-based groups, over the safety and welfare of candidates scheduled to sit for the examination between April 25 and May 5, particularly as candidates are required to report to centres as early as 6:30 a.m.

He noted that candidates have been posted to distant and, in some cases, security-sensitive areas such as Bassa, Bokkos, Riyom, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Jos North and Jos South, without adequate consideration for prevailing security and logistical realities.

According to him, the situation has increased anxiety among parents, imposed additional transportation and financial burdens, and exposed candidates to potential risks, warning that it could also result in lateness, absenteeism and poor performance.

The NAPPS chairman, speaking in alignment with faith groups, urged JAMB to review its posting strategy to ensure candidates are assigned to safe and accessible centres, while also advocating for greater stakeholder engagement.

Efforts to reach officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for comments were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.