By Emmanuel Gulak
JOS — The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) commenced on a calm note across Jos and surrounding areas on Thursday, with candidates sitting for their papers under heightened security.
Visits to multiple Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the metropolis indicated a smooth and orderly process, as candidates underwent accreditation and wrote their examinations without disruption.
At Rochas Foundation School, Anglo-Jos, Old Airport Junction, candidates were seen completing biometric verification seamlessly before proceeding to their exams. A similar situation was observed at the CBT centre within the NITEL building, where officials attended to candidates in an organised manner.
Other centres, including Skynet CBT Centre along Bauchi Road near Zololo Junction and MK Computer Training Centre opposite the University of Jos Permanent Site, also recorded hitch-free exercises, with no incidents reported.
The peaceful conduct of the examination follows the deployment of robust security measures by the Plateau State Police Command and other security agencies across all centres.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Bassey Ewah, had earlier assured candidates and their parents of a smooth exercise, stating that adequate personnel and operational resources had been strategically deployed.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, the command warned against any attempt to disrupt the examination, stressing that violators would face the full weight of the law. Area Commanders were also directed to ensure strict monitoring within their jurisdictions.
The Plateau State Government also reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of candidates throughout the examination period.
Commissioner for Education, Dr Kachollom Pyam Gang, announced designated arrival times for candidates 7:00 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. strictly for biometric verification. She emphasised that only candidates who complete the biometric process would be allowed to sit for the examination and urged candidates to familiarise themselves with their centres ahead of time.
Gang further disclosed that the government, in collaboration with security agencies, had secured all routes leading to the examination centres to guarantee safety.
The UTME, which began on April 16, is scheduled to conclude on April 20 within Jos metropolis and April 18 in other parts of Plateau State.
The calm atmosphere recorded across centres is being viewed as a positive signal, especially in light of earlier security concerns in parts of the state.
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