• Board adjusts time for early morning sessions
Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Examination Board (JAMB) have dispelled rumours making the rounds that the scheduled examination for admission into higher school would not hold on account of insecurity.

JAMB announced that all was in place for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to dispel rumours circulating.

JAMB said the examination time in flashpoints in the north, particularly Plateau State, had been adjusted from 6.30 a.m. to 7 a.m. as the arrival time for the morning sessions, while examinations would start at 8 a.m. and in some places 9 a.m.

In a joint press briefing yesterday at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the Police Force Public Relations Officer (PFPRO), Anthony Placid, said security had been beefed up in all centres, particularly in flashpoints and that there would be nothing to worry about.

He said: “There is a recent unfounded rumour regarding the safety of certain centres in a North Central State for the forthcoming Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination scheduled to commence on 16th April 2026.

“The NPF wishes to categorically state that these claims are without basis. While the NPF does not act on rumours, the concerns raised by members of the public have been duly noted, as they concern the safety, education, and future of our children and wards. The Force has taken the following proactive steps to ensure the safety of all candidates.

“To this end, extra security has been deployed at examination centres nationwide, both overtly and covertly, to prevent any untoward incidents. This includes routine patrols, perimeter checks, and rapid response teams stationed at strategic locations. The Nigeria Police Force is collaborating closely with sister security agencies to monitor and address potential threats effectively. Any individual or group attempting to disrupt the examination process will be swiftly identified and brought to justice.”

The Nigeria Police Force reassured candidates, parents, and the general public that every measure has been taken to guarantee a safe and conducive environment for all examinations.

“Candidates are encouraged to arrive early at their centres, adhere to examination regulations, and report any suspicious activities or persons to on-site security personnel. Members of the public are advised to disregard unverified information circulating on social media and to rely solely on official updates from JAMB and the NPF.

“The Force remains committed to maintaining peace, security, and public confidence in all National activities, including the JAMB examinations. The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the cooperation of all citizens and stakeholders in ensuring a smooth and secure examination process, especially sister security agencies.”

JAMB spokesperson, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said the adjustment affects only the early morning session of the examination, stressing that the board has engaged the Plateau State Commissioner of Police and received assurances of the safety of candidates.

On why the board did not remove candidates from flashpoints, Benjamin said it was not JAMB’s duty to make such adjustments.

He said: “We cannot do that because it is the candidates who choose where they want to sit for the examinations, and moving them away will certainly create logistical problems for the candidates.

“Some of them take the centre examinations just behind their homes, so we are assuring that with the police and other security agencies, there will be no problems.

“So, in Plateau, particularly. We have adjusted the early morning session from 6.30 a.m. to 7 a.m. for arrival time, while the examination will start at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. in some places. This is to allow the security agencies to take full charge.”