The National Association of Nigerian Students(NANS) has rejected the alleged early morning schedule of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
A statement jointly signed by the NANS President and the Public Relations
Comrade Olushola Oladoja and Samson Ajasa Adeyemi ,respectively described the decision as insensitive given the country’s security challenge.
The apex students’ body therefore charged the authorities concern to ,as a matter of urgency effect a Review in order not to expose the students to avoidable risks.
Specifically ,NANS calls on JAMB to immediately review and adjust the examination schedule to ensure that no student is required to sit for an exam before 9 a.m.
Reports indicate that some candidates have had to travel long distances, exposing them to unnecessary risks. The welfare and security of Nigerian students must never be compromised.
The statement reads :
“We strongly condemned the insensitive scheduling of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, which has placed students in precarious situations by assigning examination times as early as 6 a.m.
“This decision, given the prevailing security challenges in the country, is both inconsiderate and dangerous.
“It is deeply troubling that students are expected to commute to examination centres in the early hours of the morning, often navigating unsafe routes and facing transportation difficulties.
“The current security climate in Nigeria demands that authorities prioritise the safety and well-being of students rather than subjecting them to undue hardship.
“We urge the Honourable Minister for Education, Tunji Alausa, to intervene and ensure that students are not placed in harm’s way due to poor planning.
“We hereby issue a 72-hour ultimatum to JAMB to revise the UTME schedule and adopt a more student-friendly approach. Failure to comply will leave NANS with no choice but to mobilise students nationwide for peaceful protests to demand immediate action.
“NANS remains committed to advocating for policies that protect students and ensure their academic pursuits are not hindered by avoidable challenges”. The statement added