Peter Obi Urges JAMB to Show Mercy to Blacklisted CBT Centres
Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate for the Labour Party, urged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to implement a kinder and more transparent method in dealing with the blacklisting of certain computer-based test centers nationwide.
In a statement shared on his X handle on Friday, titled “JAMB: A Plea for Compassion,” Obi reflected on a recent experience with a large group of students gathered outside the JAMB office in Amawbia, Anambra State. He mentioned that the students, some climbing the fence, explained that they were there to adjust their courses or institutions but were unable to access these services at most CBT centers.
“Of the 28 JAMB-approved CBT centers in Anambra State, 17 have been blacklisted. Unfortunately, many of the affected centers have not even been informed about the specific reasons for this decision,” Obi stated, adding that the explanation given to the centers was simply the ambiguous term “under investigation.”
He expressed his worry that this situation has compelled numerous students to travel long distances, sometimes multiple times, to the JAMB state office, where costs for processing changes have reportedly surged from around ₦1,500 at accredited centers to as much as ₦15,000—often inflated by unofficial fees.
“These young Nigerians, already under significant pressure, are now facing even greater financial, physical, and emotional burdens. The obstacles they face have hindered many from transferring to their desired institutions, jeopardizing their academic prospects,” Obi remarked.
He pointed out that the problem is exacerbating during a time of economic difficulty, increasing insecurity, and high youth unemployment, emphasizing that “students and their families should not endure such unnecessary suffering.”
While recognizing that JAMB might have legitimate grounds for blacklisting specific centers, Obi appealed to the board to explore a more compassionate alternative, such as allowing the centers to function under rigorous oversight until investigations are completed.
“Education remains the beacon of hope for our nation. We must not permit bureaucratic hurdles and lack of transparency to undermine the aspirations of our young people,” he concluded.
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