In a statement jointly endorsed on Sunday by the National President, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, and the National Public Relations Officer, Comrade Samson Ajasa Adeyemi, NANS articulated its deep unease with JAMB’s decision.
“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 statement read, highlighting the logistical and safety nightmares that such early schedules present for students.
NANS further emphasized the risks associated with early morning travel, stating, “Reports indicate that some candidates have had to travel long distances, exposing them to unnecessary risks.” This underscores the reality that many students, especially those in remote areas or with limited transportation options, face heightened security threats and logistical hurdles when forced to travel at dawn.
The student body firmly asserted that, “The current security climate in Nigeria demands that authorities prioritise the safety and well-being of students rather than subjecting them to undue hardship.” This powerful statement directly challenges JAMB’s scheduling decisions and calls for a greater sense of responsibility towards the safety of young Nigerians.
In light of these concerns, NANS has issued a clear and urgent demand: “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.” This proposed revision aims to provide students with a safer and more reasonable timeframe to travel to their examination centers.
The association has also called upon the intervention of the highest authority in the education sector: “We urge the Honourable Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, to intervene and ensure that students are not placed in harm’s way due to poor planning.” This appeal to the Minister underscores the gravity of the situation as perceived by the student body.
To underscore the urgency of their demands, NANS has issued a firm ultimatum: “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.” This ultimatum signals NANS’s readiness to take decisive action to protect the interests and safety of Nigerian students.
The statement concludes with a powerful reaffirmation of NANS’s core mission: “The welfare and security of Nigerian students must never be compromised. NANS remains committed to advocating for policies that protect students and ensure their academic pursuits are not hindered by avoidable challenges.”
The 72-hour ultimatum places significant pressure on JAMB to reconsider its current UTME scheduling and prioritize the safety and well-being of the thousands of young Nigerians participating in this crucial national examination. The coming days will be critical in determining whether JAMB will heed the concerns raised by NANS and take the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with early morning examinations.