The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), commenced nationwide yesterday, but was marred by a security incident in Benue State, where gunmen abducted 14 persons, some of whom are UTME candidates, on their way to examination centres.
The incident involved a Benue Links commercial bus traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo. According to witnesses, the attack occurred between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m on Wednesday, with the bus carrying 16 passengers, largely youths, heading for the examination.
It was learned that only the driver and one other passenger escaped, while 14 passengers were abducted.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the incident, stating that the victims were traveling to write the UTME when the attack occurred.
“The victims are young people coming to Otukpo to write JAMB. Security agents have been deployed and efforts are ongoing to rescue them,” he said.
Efforts to obtain a response from Benue Links, the state-owned transport company which owns the attacked bus, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, as neither the spokesperson nor the General Manager responded to calls or messages.
However, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Enemari, confirmed the development, noting that he personally led security operations in the area.
“I’m in Otukpo now; all my team and DPOs are here in the bush, and I’m heading the operation.
“What happened was that one Benue Links bus carrying passengers coming to Otukpo was stopped and attacked by hoodlums, and 14 passengers were kidnapped, but one was able to escape.
“We know that Benue Links, as a policy, doesn’t usually drive at night. So, from what I got, they had already closed, but the driver, for reasons best known to him, which we are still trying to find out, picked passengers along the road, and when he came here, the story you have is what we are having.
“But we are investigating. We are on the ground to make sure that the victims are rescued. The victims comprised of passengers,” he said.
However, JAMB’s Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Fabian Benjamin, when contacted for comments, urged caution in interpreting the reports, describing them as unverified.
“You know Nigerians love this kind of story. I have made calls and no one has been able to give me anything to that effect. So, it is still speculative. But if and when I get more information, I will let you know,” he said.
Network glitches, hijab row mar conduct
Apart from the reported abduction, the exam started across states with familiar ambition but quickly descended into a mix of delay, controversies, and glitches that once again cast a shadow over one of Nigeria’s most critical academic exercises.
Scheduled to run through April 22, the examination is structured into four daily sessions beginning at 7:30 a.m. and ending at 6:00 p.m., a framework designed to manage the large volume of candidates and reduce congestion at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
This year, nearly 2.2 million candidates are participating across 966 accredited centres, each expected to meet operational benchmarks such as functional computer systems, stable internet connectivity and electricity as well as adequately trained personnel.
Across multiple centres, candidates encountered disruptions. Reports of network glitches, malfunctioning systems, and administrative delays were widespread, leaving many candidates stranded for hours or unable to complete their examinations.
In several locations, sessions scheduled for early morning did not begin as scheduled, compressing the time available for candidates. Others experienced abrupt system shutdowns, forced logouts, or inconsistencies in time tracking, all of which directly affected their ability to perform under already high-pressure conditions.
One candidate recounted a particularly troubling experience that highlighted both delay and technical inconsistency.
“JAMBHQ, this is unacceptable. My exam was for 9:00 AM but started around 12:00–12:30 PM. During the exam, my screen showed 30 mins left, yet we were told only 6 mins remained, and I was logged out before finishing English,” @Ayoola2043576 said on X.
Such accounts were not isolated. Across states, candidates described scenarios where system timers appeared unreliable, often displaying remaining time before abruptly terminating sessions.
“Went for my JAMB exam today but couldn’t log in due to an error with my registration number (202660450790CB). I was denied the chance to write despite arriving prepared. @JAMBHQ, please urgently address this and reschedule for affected candidates,” @mogetech pleaded.
In Ogun State, the situation took a more fundamental turn. At a CBT centre in Ifo, both the first and second batches of candidates reportedly could not sit for their examinations due to the absence of a functional server and operational computers.
“Both the first and the second batch of students were not able to write their JAMB exams at this CBT Centre in Ifo, Ogun State, because there’s no server and no working computer. The officials present claim the fault is from JAMB itself,” @theonlybiola said on X.
Similar patterns emerged in Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory. At a centre in Thomas Adewumi University, Oko, repeated system shutdowns disrupted the 8:30 a.m. session, affecting multiple candidates.
“Unacceptable experience at the JAMB CBT centre in Thomas Adewumi University, Oko, today. System failures and frequent shutdowns ruined the 8:30 AM session for many candidates,” @AdekeyeDamilo14 said on X.
In Old Karu, Abuja, candidates faced repeated logouts due to network instability and were reportedly asked to leave without additional time to complete their examinations.
“At SkillPath Int’l Academy, Old Karu, all candidates were repeatedly logged out due to network failure and couldn’t complete their examination. They were still asked to leave despite time not being up. No extra time given. This is unacceptable. We demand a resit for all affected,” Mariam Ali (@mariamsmally) said.
In Lagos, candidates at a CBT centre in Ogba raised concerns about premature submission of their exams by the system, even when they still had time remaining.
“Dear JAMB, We, students, don’t make submissions, and we have an extra 15-20 minutes left. The system automatically submits itself. Here’s our CENTER: Topflight Engineering CBT (ctr 2), 8 Muyiwa Close, off Ajayi Road, Ogba, Lagos,” @ola_best_comedy said.
In Ibadan, it was hijab controversy
While technical hitches dominated reports from many centres, a controversy in Ibadan introduced a different dimension to the challenges of the opening day with one centred on rights, compliance, and institutional oversight.
At the Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre along Sango Eleyele Road, there were reports that female candidates wearing hijab were either denied entry or compelled to remove their head coverings before being allowed to sit for the examination.
The development sparked immediate outrage among parents and observers, who described the directive as a violation of the candidates’ constitutional right to freedom of religion. The incident stood in sharp contrast to JAMB’s clearly stated guidelines, which permit the use of hijab during examinations.
The board has consistently maintained that candidates are not required to remove religious coverings, except for minimal adjustments to ensure that both ears are visible during biometric verification. According to JAMB, this requirement aligns with global standards used in passport and visa identification processes. The Ibadan incident was later resolved following intervention by JAMB officials.
JAMB attributed the incident to an overzealous ad hoc staff member who failed to comply with the board’s established guidelines on candidates’ religious attire while emphasising that the action was neither perpetrated by the CBT centre nor sanctioned by the board.
“The Board respects the religious beliefs and customs of all Nigerians and has addressed the situation promptly and appropriately.
“We assure all candidates, regardless of faith, that their rights to religious expression including dressing remain a cornerstone of our policy,” the board’s Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Fabian Benjamin, said in a statement.
In a separate development, some candidates raised concerns about being assigned to CBT centres far from their homes, forcing them to undertake long trips.
Innocent Oche, a repeat candidate from Benue State, lamented what he called the logistical burden associated with such postings.
“This year, I registered early but was posted to Ugbokolo, at the Benue State Polytechnic, for my exam on Saturday. That is one of the challenges I observed. Some students, while returning from exams last year, had accidents too. It will be better for us to write the exams in the towns where we live,” he said.
Candidates report smooth processes in Abuja, Kano
Despite the widespread challenges, not all experiences were negative. In parts of Abuja and Kano, candidates reported relatively smooth and well-organised examination processes.
“We did our thumbprint successfully, and everything went smoothly. After that, we were called according to our numbers and seated properly.
“There were clear instructions before the examination started, which helped us understand how to save answers and end the test,” said Stephen Sonde at a CBT centre in Abuja.
“The exam was good, and everything worked very well,” Emmanuel Anyaoha added.
“This is not my first time writing the UTME. The centre is very nice, and everything worked perfectly. There was no challenge at all,” said Elijah Itua.
Heavy security deployments across states
Security arrangements across several states also reflected a high level of preparedness. In Osun, security agencies including the Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, and DSS were deployed across CBT centers, maintaining a visible presence and ensuring orderly conduct.
Similar measures were implemented in Taraba, Delta, Cross River, and the Federal Capital Territory, where police authorities conducted inspections, deployed personnel, and issued warnings against any attempt to disrupt the examination process.
“During the inspection, the Commissioner of Police evaluated security arrangements put in place to protect candidates, officials, and examination facilities.
“He also interacted with centre supervisors, assured them of adequate security presence throughout the examination period, and pledged the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order.
“The CP warned that any attempt to disrupt the process will be met with decisive action in accordance with the law,” Josephine Adeh, the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT, said.
Meanwhile, some parents and stakeholders have called for the establishment of more permanent CBT centres, arguing that reliance on borrowed facilities contributes to logistical inefficiencies.
“As we advance in the computer and artificial intelligence age, systems should be customised to make the process easier for candidates and parents,” one parent said.
The examination continues today across all centres.
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