The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a response to Peter Obi’s allegations regarding the supposed requirement for admission-seeking teenagers to travel in the dark in order to write their exams.

In a statement posted on his verified X account on Sunday, April 27, Obi accused JAMB of compelling students to “attend a public examination by 6:30 am” at unfamiliar locations despite widespread insecurity.

Describing the situation as “reckless,” the former Governor of Anambra State said some students were reported missing, others involved in accidents, and many subjected to unnecessary trauma. 

Obi wrote, “Teenagers, mostly 15–17 years old, were forced to travel in the dark, across dangerous and unfamiliar locations, just to access their right to education and sit for JAMB examinations. Setting exams for vulnerable teenagers as early as 6:00 am is reckless. Reports are already emerging of accidents, missing students, and needless trauma. Who takes responsibility when a child disappears or is harmed while trying to get an education?”

Obi further criticised the exam body and the government, calling the situation a sign of deeper systemic failure.

In a brief counter-statement, JAMB debunked Obi’s claim, stating that no exams were scheduled to start at 6 am. The body clarified that the 2025 UTME exams were scheduled to commence at 8 am, with verification and clearance processes beginning at 6:30 am.

JAMB explained that the early verification was intended to ensure candidates were settled and ready before the exams started. “Our examination is scheduled to commence at 8:00 am, not 6:00 am. Verification and clearance begin at 6:30 am to afford candidates adequate time to settle in,” JAMB stated.

However, many Nigerians faulted JAMB’s explanation, questioning why teenagers were required to arrive at centres as early as 6 am.