Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to adopt a more humane, transparent, and student-friendly approach in its operations, warning that bureaucratic inefficiencies are endangering the academic aspirations of thousands of young Nigerians.

Obi made the appeal on Thursday via a social media post, following a personal encounter with students struggling to gain access to the JAMB office in Amawbia, Anambra State. Describing the scene, he said he was alarmed by the large crowd and the sight of students clinging to the fence in desperation.

“When I stopped to speak with them, they explained that they were there to make changes to their course or institution choices,” Obi said. “I found this surprising, as such services are ordinarily processed at JAMB-designated CBT centres.”

However, he said the students revealed that most of the CBT centres had stopped offering the service. Further inquiry showed that out of 28 JAMB-approved centres in Anambra, 17 had been blacklisted, with many centre operators unaware of the specific allegations against them — told only that they were “under investigation.”

The development has placed undue strain on students, many of whom now travel long distances — often making multiple unsuccessful trips — to the state JAMB office. According to Obi, the situation has also led to a sharp increase in the cost of processing changes, with students paying as much as ₦15,000 for a service officially pegged at ₦1,500, often due to unofficial and exploitative charges.

“These young Nigerians—already grappling with immense pressure—now face even greater financial, physical, and emotional strain,” Obi said. “The challenges they confront have prevented many from transferring to their preferred institutions, placing their academic futures at serious risk.”

He warned that the timing is especially critical as several universities have already begun their post-UTME screenings, leaving affected students disadvantaged and uncertain about their prospects.

Acknowledging that JAMB may have valid reasons for sanctioning certain centres, Obi nonetheless questioned whether a more compassionate and transparent process could not have been implemented. He suggested that centres under investigation be allowed to continue operating under strict monitoring until cases are resolved.

He concluded by urging JAMB to prioritise student welfare over bureaucracy, noting that the country cannot afford to crush the hopes of its youth at a time of rising hardship, insecurity, and youth unemployment.

“Education remains the hope of our nation,” Obi said. “We must not allow bureaucratic bottlenecks and opacity to derail the dreams of our young people.”