Hajia Sofuratu Seghosime Emerges ICAN President-Elect

The emergence of Hajia Sofuratu Seghosime as the 62nd President-Elect of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has continued to draw widespread commendation across Nigeria’s financial and regulatory institutions, with stakeholders describing her elevation as a reflection of decades of professional excellence in taxation, governance, and public service.

Her election has been particularly celebrated within the Nigerian Revenue Service (formerly Federal Inland Revenue Service), where she spent a significant part of her career, rising through the ranks over 26 years to become Coordinating Director for Compliance and Enforcement.

With over 40 years of experience spanning public service and private consultancy, Seghosime’s emergence is widely seen as a natural progression for a seasoned tax administrator and financial expert whose contributions have shaped Nigeria’s fiscal and regulatory landscape.

She currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Quebaan Professional Services, where she leads advisory work across taxation, auditing, corporate governance, financial management, strategy, and dispute resolution, supporting both public and private sector organisations in meeting regulatory and compliance obligations.

Seghosime’s professional journey within ICAN has also been marked by steady progression. Since joining the Council of the institute in 2014, she has held several strategic roles, contributing to policy formulation, professional development, and institutional governance within Nigeria’s accounting profession.

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Beyond ICAN, she is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and an alumnus of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, underscoring her multidisciplinary expertise in taxation, dispute resolution, and national policy.

Her influence also extends to key national and international platforms. She currently serves as a Commissioner on the Tax Appeal Tribunal and previously contributed to standard-setting as a member of the Nigerian Accounting Standards Board, now the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria. She has also represented Nigeria in global tax discussions at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Commonwealth Association of Tax Administrators.

Industry stakeholders say her experience in both domestic tax administration and international fiscal engagement positions her to strengthen ICAN’s role in shaping financial accountability and governance standards in Nigeria.

Reacting to her emergence, Otunba Tobi Abiola, a senior official of the Nigerian Revenue Service overseeing Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States, described her election as a victory for integrity, professionalism, and ethical leadership.

He praised Seghosime as a leader of “high wisdom” whose career reflects competence, transparency, and a deep commitment to public service, adding that her leadership is expected to drive reforms and strengthen institutional credibility within ICAN.

Abiola noted that her ability to balance tradition with innovation, coupled with her dedication to mentorship and inclusive leadership, would play a crucial role in advancing the accounting profession and fostering collaboration across sectors.

Observers within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem believe her presidency could come at a critical time when issues of tax compliance, public finance transparency, and corporate governance remain central to economic reforms and investor confidence.

Her election is also being viewed as a milestone for gender representation in leadership within Nigeria’s professional bodies, with many noting that her rise could inspire more women to pursue leadership roles in finance, accounting, and public administration.

As she prepares to assume office, expectations are high that Seghosime will leverage her extensive experience to strengthen ICAN’s regulatory influence, promote ethical standards, and support Nigeria’s broader economic and fiscal reforms.

Hajia Sofuratu Seghosime Emerges ICAN President-Elect

2026 JAMB UTME: Over 2.2 Million Candidates Face Stricter Rules, CBT Reforms Begin

The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is shaping up to be one of the most tightly regulated and highly subscribed examinations in Nigeria’s education history, with over 2.2 million candidates expected to participate nationwide.

The examination, which serves as the primary gateway into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, is scheduled to hold between April 16 and April 22–25, 2026, across nearly 1,000 accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the country.

Massive candidate turnout pushes CBT expansion

With candidate numbers rising yearly, JAMB has expanded its CBT operations by distributing candidates across multiple daily sessions to reduce congestion and improve efficiency.

The board continues to emphasize that the UTME remains a fully computer-based examination, lasting approximately two hours, with candidates tested across four subjects depending on their chosen field of study.

Education stakeholders note that the rising number of candidates reflects increased demand for tertiary education, even as institutions struggle with limited admission capacity.

Revised reporting time for candidates

One of the most notable adjustments for the 2026 examination is the revised reporting time for candidates.

Candidates assigned to the first session are now expected to arrive by 7:00 a.m., with examinations starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending by 10:30 a.m.

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This adjustment, according to examination officials, was introduced following public concerns over early-morning movement risks faced by teenagers during previous examination cycles.

Authorities clarified that candidates are not required to reprint examination slips, as previously issued documents remain valid for the 2026 UTME.

Stricter monitoring and crackdown on malpractice

In line with ongoing reforms, JAMB has intensified efforts to curb examination malpractice and technical lapses across CBT centres.

Reports indicate that about 23 CBT centres were delisted following poor performance during mock assessments, while some technical staff and operators have faced sanctions for failing to meet required standards.

The board has also strengthened its monitoring systems, with enhanced surveillance and compliance checks at examination centres nationwide to ensure transparency and fairness.

Candidates have been warned against bringing prohibited items into examination halls, with strict penalties attached to any violation.

CBT reforms and operational improvements

Recent related reforms introduced by JAMB include tighter accreditation standards for CBT centres and improved real-time monitoring systems aimed at reducing technical disruptions experienced in previous years.

Education analysts say these measures are part of broader efforts to restore public confidence in the UTME process following past complaints about system glitches and irregularities.

Mandatory requirements for candidates

JAMB has reiterated key instructions that all candidates must follow strictly to avoid disqualification.

Candidates are required to print their examination slips, which contain vital details such as exam date, venue, and time.

They are also expected to arrive early and locate their assigned centres ahead of time to avoid last-minute confusion or transportation challenges.

Authorities have warned that late arrival or failure to comply with examination instructions could result in automatic disqualification.

Disability inclusion and equal opportunity support

In a notable development, JAMB has expanded its Equal Opportunity Group programme to support candidates living with disabilities.

The initiative provides tailored assistance, including modified exam conditions and additional support systems designed to ensure fairness and equal access for all candidates.

Education stakeholders have described the initiative as a significant step toward inclusive education and equal participation in national examinations.

Growing significance of the UTME

The UTME remains Nigeria’s most important tertiary admission examination, determining entry into higher institutions for millions of candidates annually.

The 2026 edition stands out due to its record participation, tighter regulatory framework, and increased operational reforms aimed at improving credibility and efficiency.

Conclusion

The 2026 JAMB UTME is defined by scale, stricter oversight, and major operational reforms. For candidates, success will depend not only on academic preparation but also on strict compliance with examination rules, especially regarding timing, documentation, and conduct.

As the examination approaches, candidates are advised to prepare adequately, follow official guidelines, and ensure early arrival at their designated centres to avoid disqualification.

2026 JAMB UTME: Over 2.2 Million Candidates Face Stricter Rules, CBT Reforms Begin

MURIC Urges Security Agencies to Protect JAMB Candidates, Exam Centres Nationwide

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on security agencies in Nigeria to ensure maximum protection for candidates and officials participating in the forthcoming Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations scheduled to begin on April 16, 2026.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the Islamic human rights organisation stressed the need for heightened security measures across all examination centres nationwide, citing growing insecurity in several parts of the country.

The statement, signed by the Executive Director of MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, urged the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to collaborate effectively in safeguarding candidates and examination personnel throughout the examination period.

According to the group, the appeal became necessary due to rising security concerns in parts of northern Nigeria, where banditry, communal tensions, and violent attacks have continued to threaten public safety.

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MURIC specifically raised concerns about states such as Plateau, Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, and Kwara, warning that some of these areas remain vulnerable to attacks and mass abductions, particularly targeting young students and examination candidates.

The organisation warned that candidates travelling to and from examination centres could be at risk in volatile locations and called for “special attention” to ensure their safety before, during, and after the examinations.

It further urged security agencies to remain vigilant, noting that “eternal vigilance is the price of freedom,” and emphasised the need for proactive intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms to prevent any disruption of the exercise.

MURIC also highlighted the importance of securing examination venues themselves, stressing that any attack on candidates or officials would have far-reaching consequences on education and national development.

The group reiterated its commitment to advocating for peaceful coexistence and safety for all citizens, especially young Nigerians pursuing education.

The JAMB examination, conducted annually by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, is a critical gateway for admission into tertiary institutions across the country, with hundreds of thousands of candidates expected to participate nationwide.

Security agencies are yet to issue a formal response to the appeal, but authorities have previously assured Nigerians of adequate protection during national examinations and other major public exercises.

MURIC Urges Security Agencies to Protect JAMB Candidates, Exam Centres Nationwide