The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is scheduled to take place from April 25 to May 5, 2026, in Plateau State, Nigeria. This examination is a critical step for candidates seeking admission into various tertiary institutions across the country. Just before this key development, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had to address misinformation regarding the examination’s status, clarifying that it would proceed as planned.

On March 28, 2026, an optional Mock-UTME is set to be conducted, allowing candidates to familiarize themselves with the examination format. JAMB has reported that a total of 2,243,816 candidates successfully registered for the UTME, indicating a significant interest in higher education among Nigerian youth.

However, the examination process is not without its challenges. JAMB has warned that over 150 accredited Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centres were not visible on its central monitoring system during the registration process. This lack of visibility raises concerns about the integrity of the examination and the potential for malpractice. In response, JAMB has directed all 989 accredited centres to ensure their surveillance cameras are fully accessible in real-time from JAMB’s control room.

To enhance the credibility of the examination, JAMB has implemented various reforms, including the introduction of computer-based testing and a centralized oversight system. These measures aim to curb malpractice and ensure a fair examination process. JAMB’s registrar emphasized that since 2017, there have been no reported problems with the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), which is designed to ensure transparency in admissions.

In light of recent security concerns in Plateau State, JAMB has called for urgent intervention from government authorities and security agencies to ensure the safety of students during the examination period. Sadiq Mesalati, a JAMB official, stated, “No student should have to choose between education and personal safety. The right to education must include safe access to examination centres.” This statement underscores the importance of providing a secure environment for candidates.

Furthermore, JAMB has urged parents and candidates to take action if they believe they have been unfairly denied admission despite having satisfactory UTME scores. Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB’s registrar, encouraged individuals to protest if they are confident in their scores, highlighting the ease of the process due to CAPS. He remarked, “If you find anybody, if you are sure of yourself, you have a score, and this is the UTME score of my child, and you know that you ought to be admitted and you are not admitted, protest to us because CAPS has made everything easy.”

As the UTME approaches, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth and secure examination process for all candidates involved. JAMB’s commitment to reform and transparency is critical in maintaining the integrity of the examination system. The upcoming UTME not only represents an opportunity for candidates to advance their education but also serves as a test of the effectiveness of the measures implemented to safeguard the examination process.

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The recent national grid collapse in Nigeria raises critical questions about the stability and reliability of the country’s electricity supply. With Nigeria’s electricity generation consistently falling short of its installed capacity of 13,625 megawatts (MW), the implications for economic growth and daily life are profound. In October 2025, only 5,506 MW was wheeled through the grid at any given time, highlighting a significant shortfall in power availability.

Understanding the current state of electricity supply

As of early 2026, the national grid was operating with an average of 4,901 MW available for dispatch, which translates to a plant availability factor of just 36 percent. This alarming statistic indicates that over 60 percent of the installed generation capacity was unavailable for dispatch during the third quarter of 2025. The ongoing issues are compounded by the fact that gas-fired stations, which are crucial for electricity generation, require approximately 1.63 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, yet they were receiving only about 692 million cubic feet in early 2026.

Recent incidents and their implications

The national grid has suffered 26 system collapses in the last five years, with 2024 alone accounting for nine of these incidents. This trend raises concerns about the reliability of the electricity supply and the potential impact on economic activities across the nation. The power sector is also burdened with over ₦6 trillion in accumulated debts, further complicating efforts to stabilize the grid and improve service delivery.

Government response and reforms

In light of these challenges, the Nigerian government has initiated reforms aimed at optimizing electricity generation and transmission. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently constituted an 11-member committee to facilitate the establishment of the Grid Asset Management Company Limited (GAMCO). This initiative is part of broader reforms intended to strengthen the electricity value chain and ensure a more reliable power supply for citizens.

Stakeholder involvement and future outlook

Key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Transmission Company of Nigeria, are involved in these efforts. Adebayo Adelabu, a prominent figure in the sector, has expressed optimism about the future, stating, “I have now paid my dues… It’s Adelabu’s turn. Anything that belongs to Adelabu belongs to us all.” This sentiment reflects a broader hope among stakeholders that the reforms will lead to a more stable and efficient electricity supply.

Challenges ahead

Despite the government’s efforts, significant challenges remain. The electricity sector’s financial instability, coupled with the persistent issues of gas supply and infrastructure inadequacies, poses a formidable barrier to achieving reliable electricity for all Nigerians. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for the implementation of GAMCO and the potential impact of the reforms on the overall electricity landscape.

The national grid collapse in Nigeria serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in the electricity sector. As the government and stakeholders work towards stabilizing the grid, the focus will remain on addressing the underlying issues that have plagued the sector for years. The path forward will require sustained commitment and collaboration among all parties involved to ensure a reliable and efficient electricity supply for the nation.

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