Fifteen students who were reported missing on their way to take the rescheduled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Okigwe, Imo State, have been found and safely reunited with their families.
The students had travelled from Onitsha, Anambra State, when their vehicle broke down unexpectedly. The Imo State Police Command confirmed the development in a post on its X (formerly Twitter) handle.
The post read:
“It is true that they made the travel to Okigwe, where they were scheduled to write the UTME. However, their vehicle developed a mechanical fault while at it, but they were secured and have now been returned with their families.
“We appreciate citizens and stakeholders, such as yourself, who raise awareness concerning issues of security. We encourage the spirit.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has called on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to conduct a transparent audit of its examination infrastructure.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Kalu criticised the rushed rescheduling of the exam, which coincided with the ongoing 2025 Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE). He noted that many affected candidates had to travel long distances, compounding their stress and logistical challenges.
He emphasized the need for a balanced review process:
“JAMB must provide a clear, accessible mechanism for remark and appeal, especially for those dissatisfied with the hurried retake or who experienced technical difficulties during the second sitting.
“Furthermore, coordination with WAEC and other examination bodies must continue to ensure that no candidate’s academic progression is impeded by scheduling conflicts.”
Kalu stressed that combining internal evaluations with independent audits would help ensure fairness and transparency, especially for affected candidates in the Southeast and Lagos.
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