A former aide to ex-Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, Ibrahim Sadauki Kabara, has led a group of concerned parents and guardians in condemning the difficulties faced by candidates sitting for the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
In a formal petition addressed to the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and signed by Ibrahim Sadauki Kabara on behalf of concerned parents and guardians of 2026 UTME candidates, the group condemned the posting of many candidates, particularly minors, to examination centres far from their homes.
The petitioners said the situation has placed a significant financial strain on families, as rising transportation costs have forced parents to struggle to fund their children’s travel to examination venues.
They also expressed serious concerns over the safety of underage candidates who are required to embark on long-distance journeys, often in the early hours of the day, exposing them to potential security risks.
Describing the development as unacceptable, the group stressed that no child should have to risk their safety in pursuit of education.
They called on JAMB to urgently review its centre allocation policy, urging the Board to ensure candidates are assigned to centres within their Local Government Areas or close to their residences.
The group also demanded the creation of an emergency response desk for distressed candidates, the provision of special make-up examinations for those affected, and enhanced collaboration with security agencies to ensure safer movement during the examination period.
Furthermore, they urged broader consultations with parents, school proprietors, and other stakeholders ahead of future examinations.
The petitioners maintained that the UTME should remain a test of academic ability, not a measure of hardship or endurance.
