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By Adewale Sanyaolu
Thousands of candidates for the 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination were left stranded yesterday after a technical glitch prevented the exam from starting.
Candidates had gathered at their various examination centres as early as 6 a.m., ready to sit for the test. But by 1:30 p.m., the exam had not commenced, sparking frustration and anger among parents.
JAMB had warned on Monday that candidates who registered for the mock UTME but failed to attend would face sanctions, noting that missing the exam denies other candidates the chance to participate.
“Absence from the mock UTME after indicating interest will attract appropriate consequences. All affected candidates are strongly advised to make arrangements to participate in the mock UTME scheduled for Saturday, 28th March 2026,” the board said.
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At Quiblaminds Comprehensive CBT Centre in Ahmadiyyah, Abule Egba, Lagos, guardian Mr. Shile Giwa said that after seven hours of waiting, the centre’s management sent students home. According to him, one candidate had attempted only four questions before the server went down and was never restored, forcing them to leave around 3 p.m.
The frustrations were echoed on social media. Mr. Shola Oluwadare recounted his ordeal, explaining that he had traveled with his son from one end of Lagos to Ikorodu, booked a hotel, and spent money that should have been used elsewhere. “I saw innocent students and their parents arrive at the CBT centre by 6:30 a.m. and leave by 1 p.m. without writing the exam. We spent seven hours waiting. What consequences should JAMB face for this?” he asked.
Similarly, Mr. Kareem Kasali, who was assisting at a CBT centre on the Island to streamline logistics and screening, described the exam as a “mockery of a mock exam.” He said that despite frantic attempts to stabilize the JAMB server, candidates had to be sent home around 3 p.m. “If this is the mock, what should we expect in the real exam?” he lamented.
Other parents voiced their frustrations. Mr. Dayo Akinsanya decried the repeated failures of administrators in Nigeria, asking, “Why can’t these incompetent people learn from past failures? Must they inflict pain on our children all the time? This is becoming intolerable and vexatious.” Mr. Lookman Oniyaomebi added, “This is horrific. Every well-meaning Nigerian should speak up. This incompetence stinks to high heaven. We must lend our voices.”
A more measured view came from Mr. Babatola Adeyemi, who offered an apology on behalf of JAMB. He acknowledged that the Registrar may have inefficient staff, and as the head, it is understandable he is blamed when issues arise, especially concerning the welfare of youths. “Nonetheless, when someone has a reputation for honesty, integrity, commitment, and enhanced revenue generation, we should not be unsparing in our criticism. There aren’t many performers, so I appreciate the few that we have. I am sure the issue has been brought to his attention and is being addressed. I sincerely sympathize with all the affected children. It is well,” he wrote.
