The Nigeria Police Force announced the deployment of extra security personnel across the country ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The exam will run from Thursday 16 April to Saturday 25 April. Police spokesperson Anthony Placide issued the statement on Tuesday, saying the move responds to public concerns about the safety of some examination centres in a North‑central state, particularly in Jos, Plateau State, where recent unrest with religious overtones has heightened anxiety.
Online appeals from residents warned that the tense situation in parts of Jos could endanger candidates travelling to centres outside their communities. One appeal urged the Plateau State government and JAMB to relocate candidates to nearby computer‑based testing (CBT) centres in safer areas or to provide adequate security. The Jos Renaissance Group wrote to the state Commissioner of Police, demanding immediate security deployment and stressing the need to protect "thousands of young examination candidates." Police described the rumours as "unfounded" and "without basis," but said they have noted the public's safety concerns.
The added police presence aims to reassure candidates that the UTME will proceed without interruption, but students should remain vigilant about any last‑minute changes to their test locations. Security lapses at exam centres could jeopardise the performance of thousands of hopeful university entrants, echoing past disruptions that have affected JAMB results and subsequent admissions cycles.
Given the heightened sensitivity in Plateau State, candidates and parents are advised to monitor official updates from JAMB and the police, verify the exact location of their CBT centre, and be prepared to shift to alternative venues if authorities issue relocation notices. Staying informed will help avoid unnecessary travel risks and ensure uninterrupted participation in the critical exam.
💡 NaijaBuzz is a news aggregator. This content is curated and editorially enhanced from third-party sources. The NaijaBuzz Take represents editorial opinion and analysis, not established fact.
