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

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