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JAMB Denies misposting as a missing candidate who was rescued in Ijebu Ode — Sparks Safety Concerns!

In an incredible tale that engulfed Nigeria, JAMB applicant Esther Oladele was discovered safe in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, after going missing for more than twenty-four hours. On Saturday, April 26, 2025, the 17-year-old was found following a terrifying adventure that caused a social media craze across the country.

In addition to bringing attention to the risks faced by teenage test takers, the incident—whic, which is presently trending on X under the hashtag # IjebuOde—Reki, led discussions on the logistics of the JAMB exam.

The board has vigorously defended its central assignment procedure against claims of misposting in the meanwmeantimen Esther left her house in Ajah, Lagos, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, to travel to Epe, where she was expected to take the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Friday at 9 a.m., her nightmare officially began. Esther intended to stay with a family friend in Epe to get ready, according to a post made by her brother on X. Unfortunately, she ended up boarding the incorrect bus on the Ajah-Epe road.

“I’m scared, I think I entered the wrong car. My eyes are itchy. I feel like I want to slip,” she wrote in her last, terrifying text message to her family.

A frenzied search was sparked by this cryptic tweet that suggested she might have been drugged or in trouble. On April 25, 2025, X posts like this one from @PitakwaNews encouraged the public to assist in finding her.

Esther was discovered in Ijebu Ode on Saturday morning after being dropped off by infamous “one-chance” operators, who get people into cars to loot or kidnap them. This was a significant development.
There was joy as @TrendingEx on X confirmed her safe homecoming at 16:15 WAT. The collective relief was captured by X user @C_CDon, who said, “I’m as overjoyed as the family members.” It was a close shave. Although Esther’s entire story is still confidential, her rescue has brought attention to the risks that test-takers confront when traveling through unknown areas.

Candidates from the centers are not misposted, according to JAMB.

This drama took place in the context of JAMB’s April 26, 2025, statement, which addressed widespread false information regarding candidates being posted outside of their selected exam towns and was written by Public Communication Advisor Fabian Benjamin, Ph.D.

On X, @fccpcnigeria posted During registration, JAMB required candidates to choose their favorite town, and the board would assign centers within that town. With submissions sent to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) within 96 hours, JAMB promised a “handsome financial reward” for evidence of any candidate’s misposting to quell dissent.

Claims of misposting were deemed “erroneous, malicious, and aimed at tarnishing the board’s reputation” in the statement.

Speculation has been stoked by Esther’s case: was she posted to Epe, as her family claimed, or did she end up in Ogun State due to a mix-up?

Logistical difficulties were brought to light in a linked X post by @TEAMOLAYODE2027, which stated that their cousin, who lived close to the Idiroko Border in Ogun State, was sent to Abidjan, which is close to Epe, for a Monday exam.

Even within states, such long-distance assignments can be confusing to young candidates, particularly in places with unstable transportation and security threats. Esther was discovered in Ogun State, which had lately made news for robbery attempts and cult conflicts, highlighting the need for safer student travel options.

Public opinion on X is not entirely consistent. Some criticized JAMB’s logistics and questioned why candidates must travel such dangerous distances, while others, like @sisi_yemmie, rejoiced over Esther’s “family” reunion.

Benjamin pointed out that some parents disregard these procedures, expecting tests to go well, despite JAMB’s request that applicants arrive 90 minutes early forverificationoto lower risks.

Benjamin told a humorous but poignant story about a female applicant who, under the influence of her grandfather’s superstitious counsel, sat through the exam without responding to any questions in the hopes of a “miraculous intervention.” He contended that this illustrates a larger problem of credulity that JAMB aims to address.

With the help of X’s real-time reach and community awareness, Esther was successfully rescued. However, it reveals weaknesses in the testing methodology. Stakeholders are calling for improved logistics plans, such as more precise center assignments and strong security, as the 2025 UTME approaches. Esther’s family is already celebrating her safe homecoming and hopes that her narrative will lead to changes that will shield future candidates from similar tragedies.