The Nigeria Education News reports that candidates scheduled to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) mock examination experienced prolonged delays at Oginni ICT Service in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as the exercise failed to commence hours after the official start time. The situation, observed on the morning of the examination, left both candidates and parents visibly agitated.
The mock examination, organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), was scheduled to begin with accreditation at 6:30 a.m., followed by the examination proper at 8:00 a.m. However, as of 10:30 a.m., candidates were still waiting inside the centre without any formal communication from officials regarding the delay. “We got here before 6:00 a.m., and up till now, nothing has started,” one of the candidates said.
Inside the centre, tension reportedly escalated as students grew increasingly restless. Some candidates were seen expressing frustration over the uncertainty, while others remained seated, hoping for the process to begin at any moment. A candidate who spoke under anonymity said, “This is very stressful. We prepared for this exam and came early, only to be left waiting without any explanation.”
Outside the premises, parents and guardians were not spared the discomfort, as many stood under the scorching sun awaiting updates. A parent who had accompanied her child lamented, “There is no information, no organization. We have just been left here guessing what is happening.” Another parent added that the lack of communication was the most troubling aspect of the situation.
Eyewitness accounts gathered by The Nigeria Education News suggest that the delay may have been linked to logistical or technical issues, although no official confirmation was provided at the time. “Even if there is a problem, they should at least address the students and parents,” one observer noted.
Education stakeholders have continued to emphasize the importance of proper coordination in conducting nationwide examinations. A school administrator familiar with JAMB processes told The Nigeria Education News, “Mock exams are meant to prepare candidates for the main examination. Situations like this defeat that purpose and increase anxiety among students.”
Candidates also expressed concern about the psychological impact of the delay. One student remarked, “We were mentally ready since morning. Waiting this long affects concentration and performance.” Another added that the experience could discourage some candidates ahead of the main Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
As of the time this report was filed, no official statement had been released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board regarding the incident at Oginni ICT Service. However, the development has raised fresh concerns about examination logistics and the need for timely communication to candidates and stakeholders during critical academic exercises.
