The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports of insecurity at some examination centres ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placide, who described the circulating claims as unfounded.
The UTME is scheduled to commence on April 16, 2026.
What they are saying
The police said it has taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of candidates, following concerns raised by members of the public.
According to the statement, additional security personnel have been deployed across examination centres nationwide, including both visible and covert operatives.
- “The NPF wishes to categorically state that these claims are without basis. While the NPF does not act on rumors, the concerns raised by members of the public have been duly noted as it concerns the safety, education and future of our children and wards, and 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 police said.
The police urged candidates to arrive early at their centres, comply with examination guidelines, and report any suspicious activities to security personnel on the ground.
Parents and the general public were also advised to disregard unverified information circulating on social media and rely only on official updates from relevant authorities.
Backstory
This comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North Central region, raising anxiety among candidates and parents ahead of the examination.
Reports indicate that some candidates have been assigned to centres located in areas facing alleged security challenges, increasing fears about their safety.
In particular, postings to locations such as Bokkos, Bassa, Barkin Ladi, and Jos North, which have witnessed recent attacks, have further heightened concerns about travelling to examination centres
What you should know
The UTME, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, is one of Nigeria’s largest annual examinations, with hundreds of thousands of candidates participating across the country.
- According to Nairametrics, a total of 2,243,816 candidates registered for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across the country.
- The examination is scheduled to hold nationwide from April 16 to April 25, 2026, with over 1,000 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres deployed to accommodate candidates and improve access
- The board recently adjusted the examination schedule following complaints over early arrival times and logistical challenges experienced during previous exams and the mock exercise.
Under the revised timetable, candidates for the first session are now expected to arrive at 7:00 am, instead of the earlier 6:30 am, with the exam starting at 8:30 am.
