Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has publicly criticized the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for scheduling early morning examinations. Obi expressed concerns about candidates, predominantly teenagers, being required to arrive at examination centers by 6:30 a.m., exposing them to potential risks due to early travel in insecure areas. ​

Peter Obi took to social media to criticize the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over its 6:30 a.m. reporting time for UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) candidates.

He described it as “unfair and potentially dangerous,” especially for students who:

• Teenagers often have to travel long distances in the early hours.

• Live in areas with security risks or poor transportation infrastructure.

• Face psychological stress and physical strain due to a lack of adequate rest.

Obi emphasized that policies like this can discourage education and endanger students, urging JAMB to reconsider its scheduling approach.

In response, JAMB clarified that while verification and clearance processes begin at 6:30 a.m., the actual Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) starts at 8:00 a.m. The board emphasized that early arrival is intended to ensure that candidates are settled and ready for the examination, aiming to prevent delays and disruptions.

Key points from their clarification:

• The 6:30 a.m. time is for verification and accreditation, not the actual start of the exam.

• The first UTME session begins at 8:00 a.m., not 6:30.

• The early arrival time is to prevent late starts and disorganization at centers.

• Candidates who fail verification due to lateness may lose their exam slot, hence the early check-in requirement.

JAMB insisted that this system helps maintain order and fairness, and accused Obi of misinformation, saying his statement could unnecessarily alarm the public.