NANS Threatens Nationwide Protests Over Early 2025 UTME Start Times, Gives JAMB 72-Hour Ultimatum
Background
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The 2025 UTME began on April 24, 2025, and is scheduled to run until May 5, 2025 (Peter Obi slams JAMB for 'reckless' UTME scheduling, calls for ...).
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In its published timetable, JAMB slated some examination sessions to start as early as 6:30 a.m. — a scheduling decision that has provoked widespread concern over student safety and well-being (NANS condemns early morning UTME schedule, demands urgent ...).
NANS’s 72-Hour Ultimatum
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) issued a strongly worded statement through National President Comrade Olushola Oladoja and PRO Comrade Samson Ajasa Adeyemi to:
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Condemn the early-morning schedule as “inconsiderate and dangerous,” given Nigeria’s current security challenges
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Call on JAMB to immediately revise the UTME timetable so that no exam begins before 9 a.m.
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Urge the Honourable Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, to intervene and ensure students are not placed at risk by poor planning
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Issue a 72-hour ultimatum: failure to comply will force NANS to mobilise students nationwide for peaceful mass protests (NANS condemns early morning UTME schedule, demands urgent ..., NANS threatens mass protest, gives JAMB 72-hour ultimatum - X).
Key Demands
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Revised Start Times: All UTME sessions to commence no earlier than 9 a.m.
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Student Safety: Prioritise secure transportation and avoid exposing candidates to dangerous commutes.
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Ministerial Intervention: Direct involvement of the Federal Ministry of Education to enforce a more student-friendly schedule.
Potential Consequences
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Mass Protest: Should JAMB ignore the ultimatum, NANS has vowed to organise peaceful demonstrations in every state capital.
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Reputational Pressure: The ultimatum comes amid other critiques—including from former presidential candidate Peter Obi—who labelled the early scheduling “reckless” (Peter Obi slams JAMB for 'reckless' UTME scheduling, calls for ...).
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Operational Disruption: Any last-minute timetable changes could impact CBT centre logistics, requiring rapid communication to preserve exam integrity.
Outlook
With the UTME examination still underway, JAMB faces intense pressure to balance exam administration needs against the safety and welfare of millions of candidates. How the Board responds within the next 72 hours will determine whether the 2025 UTME proceeds smoothly or becomes the flashpoint for nationwide student action.
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