Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to adopt a more compassionate and transparent approach in addressing the blacklisting of several Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the country.
In a statement shared via his official X handle on Friday, titled “JAMB: A Plea for Compassion,” Obi recounted a recent visit to the JAMB office in Amawbia, Anambra State, where he met with a large crowd of students seeking to make changes to their courses or institutions.
“Out of 28 JAMB-approved CBT centres in Anambra State, 17 have been blacklisted. Sadly, many of the affected centres were not even informed of the specific reasons behind this action,” Obi said.
He noted that the explanation given to the centres was merely that they were “under investigation.”
Obi expressed deep concern over the implications for students, many of whom are now forced to travel long distances often multiple times to the state JAMB office to process changes.
He also highlighted a significant increase in service costs, stating that what previously cost ₦1,500 at accredited CBT centres has now ballooned to as much as ₦15,000, frequently inflated by unofficial fees.
“These young Nigerians already grappling with immense pressure now face even greater financial, physical, and emotional strain,” Obi said.
“The challenges they confront have prevented many from transferring to their preferred institutions, placing their academic futures at serious risk.”
The former Anambra governor pointed out that this situation is unfolding amid worsening economic hardship, growing insecurity, and high youth unemployment. “Students and their parents must not suffer so needlessly,” he said.
While acknowledging that JAMB may have valid reasons for its actions, Obi urged the board to consider a more humane alternative, suggesting that blacklisted centres be allowed to operate under strict supervision until investigations are concluded.
“Education remains the hope of our nation. We must not allow bureaucratic bottlenecks and opacity to derail the dreams of our young people,” he added.
