From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
The Osun Masterminds (TOM), a coalition of civil society organisations in Osun State, has urged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to shift its examination start time from 6am to 8am.
The group cited rising insecurity and accidents as reasons for the change.
TOM’s Executive Director, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, spoke during a monthly state address in Osogbo on Monday. He noted reports of motorcycle and car accidents involving students rushing to meet the early exam schedule. “This is unacceptable,” he said, pressing JAMB to act swiftly.
The group also criticised the ongoing closure of local governments in Osun, calling them “crippled” and unable to deliver basic governance. “The inactivity of local governments causes pain in rural communities,” TOM stated, urging collaboration to find solutions.
TOM condemned delays in teacher recruitment by Governor Ademola Adeleke, highlighting the impact on education. “Students pass through understaffed schools, receiving poor-quality education,” the group said. They added that shortages in the health sector further hinder development.
Addressing Nigeria’s worsening security, TOM called on President Bola Tinubu to push service chiefs for results. “No part of the country feels safe,” they said, citing kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. The group warned of potential ethnic cleansing and growing criminal boldness, urging action to restore peace.
Finally, TOM pressed the president to tackle Nigeria’s power crisis. “Despite high tariffs, power supply has worsened,” they said, noting that households now get barely three hours of electricity daily, compared to 16 hours a few years ago.