By Godwin Agia, Jalingo
Candidates seeking to sit for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) from Sadauna LGA of Taraba state are estimated to spend between 180,000 – 200,000 to write the exams.
This is due to the delisting of the only JAMB approved UTME CBT centre in the local government.
Our correspondent reports that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB, has delisted the only Computer Based Test (CBT), centre for the 2026 Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The situation has generated public outcry by residents of the area, considering the high financial burden the decision has imposed on the parents.
The residents told our correspondent during a peaceful protest in Gembu that the situation would compel candidates seeking to sit for the Examination to spend at least, 180,000 -200,000, considering the long distance to access the closest centre.
“Our children may now be forced to spend between N180,000 and N200,000 to register and sit the 2026 UTME due to a new policy introduced by JAMB.
“Under JAMB’s 2026 guidelines, examination towns with fewer than three accredited CBT centres are not eligible to host UTME registration or examinations. As a result, the only CBT centre here in Sardauna LGA has been delisted.
This will now compel candidates to travel long distances to neighbouring local governments for registration and the examination. You can’t leave Sadauna to any LGA in Taraba and return the same day”. They parents expressed.
They lamented that transportation fare and accommodation was the major challenge and appealed to relevance authorities to intervene and reverse the decision.
“With the new policy, candidates travelling from Ndum–Yaji and Bang, to Gembu and onward to Bali LGA, may spend about N98,700 for transport, accommodation and registration, and spend same for the Examination proper. Similarly, those from Kan Iyaka may spend about N108,700, while those from Mbamnga and Gembu town will spend approximately N68,700, and 62,700”. They estimated.
The parents described the situation as discouraging, considering the financial imbalance of many parents in the local government. They called on the Taraba state ministry of Education to engage the Board’s authority to reconsider her decision to avert the hash effect it has pose on candidates and parents from the LGA.
Meanwhile, Hon.Dr. Mrs. Augustina Godwin, Taraba state Commissioner for Basic Education did not respond to calls for government reaction over JAMB decision.
