The Lagos State Police Command has ordered a statewide deployment of officers to secure all centres hosting the 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Test (CBT).

The Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, said the move is aimed at ensuring a safe and orderly examination environment for candidates and officials.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the command said personnel, operational units and intelligence assets would be stationed across approved centres and surrounding areas.

“This proactive security measure… is aimed at ensuring a safe, secure and conducive environment for candidates, examination officials and other stakeholders throughout the examination period.”

The directive follows broader instructions from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to strengthen security during nationwide examinations.

Why it matters

The JAMB CBT is a critical gateway for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, with thousands of candidates sitting the exam annually in Lagos alone.

Security concerns ranging from exam malpractice to overcrowding and logistics challenges have in the past disrupted testing processes.

By increasing police presence, authorities aim to:

Reduce examination malpractice

Ensure crowd control and safety

Protect candidates and officials

Maintain public confidence in the examination system

What police officers have been told

According to the statement, deployed officers have been instructed to act professionally while remaining vigilant.

They are expected to:

Enforce examination rules

Prevent disorderly conduct

Respond swiftly to any security threats

“Officers… have been expressly directed to maintain the highest standards of professionalism, civility and vigilance while taking firm action against any form of examination malpractice.”

The police also said officers would collaborate with other security agencies and stakeholders to secure not just exam centres, but nearby areas and access routes.

Public cooperation urged

Authorities are calling on candidates, parents and guardians to comply with examination guidelines and cooperate with security personnel.

The Commissioner reassured residents of continued efforts to protect lives and property across the state.

Members of the public were also encouraged to report suspicious activities via police emergency lines.

Industry and public perspective

Education stakeholders say improved security could help restore trust in Nigeria’s examination system, especially amid ongoing concerns about malpractice and system glitches.

Some parents, however, stress the need for balance, noting that excessive security presence should not intimidate candidates.

What’s next

Security operations are expected to remain in place throughout the examination period, with authorities monitoring compliance and responding to incidents in real time.

The success of the initiative may influence future security planning for national examinations across Nigeria.

The Delta State Police Command says it has deployed officers to all approved examination centres for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), in a move to strengthen security and prevent malpractice.

The Computer-Based Test (CBT) exams, organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), are scheduled to run from 16 to 25 April across 31 centres in the state.

Police authorities say the operation is part of an “intelligence-led security framework” designed to ensure a safe and disruption-free exercise for candidates.

Security measures in place

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has directed Area Commanders to take full responsibility for security at centres within their jurisdictions.

According to the police, this includes close supervision of officers, increased visibility patrols, and rapid response readiness.

A statement from the command said:

“Operatives have been strategically deployed to all thirty-one (31) accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the State for a secure and hitch-free exercise.”

The police added that coordination would be maintained between Divisional Police Officers, tactical units, and examination officials.

Authorities also said special attention would be given to protecting ICT infrastructure from any attempt to compromise the integrity of the exams.

Warning against malpractice

The police warned candidates and others against engaging in examination malpractice, impersonation, or disorderly conduct.

“Examination malpractice, impersonation, or any form of disorderly conduct will not be tolerated, and offenders will be promptly arrested and prosecuted,” the statement said.

Candidates have also been advised to arrive early and comply with all examination guidelines.

Why it matters

The UTME is a key gateway to higher education in Nigeria, with hundreds of thousands of candidates competing for limited university placements each year.

Security concerns, including exam fraud and logistical disruptions, have in the past affected the credibility and smooth conduct of the exams.

Analysts say increased police presence could help restore public confidence, but stress the importance of balancing security with candidates’ comfort and accessibility.

Public cooperation urged

The police have called on residents to remain vigilant and support security efforts by reporting suspicious activities.

The command said members of the public can reach its control room via an emergency contact line for timely response.

“The Command reassures residents of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property,” the statement added.

What’s next

Authorities say monitoring will continue throughout the examination period, with adjustments made where necessary to address emerging threats.

Candidates are expected to complete their exams by 25 April, after which JAMB will begin the marking and admission processes.

The Vice-Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa, has extended Easter greetings to Christians, urging them to embrace love, hope and sacrifice during the season.

Easter Message to University Community

In a statement marking Good Friday and Easter Sunday, Prof. Ologunorisa conveyed warm wishes to members of the university community and Christians beyond the institution.

He emphasised the importance of reflection and renewal, describing Easter as a period that should inspire both personal growth and collective responsibility.

“May this sacred period bring reflection, renewal, and joy to your hearts and homes,” he said.

Why It Matters

Easter is one of the most significant celebrations in the Christian calendar, symbolising sacrifice, hope and new beginnings.

For academic communities like OAUSTECH, such messages often serve as a reminder of shared values, including service, compassion and excellence—principles seen as essential in shaping both students and society.

Call for Compassion and Service

The Vice-Chancellor encouraged individuals to translate the lessons of the season into action, particularly in how they relate with others.

“May the spirit of love, hope, and sacrifice that defines this season inspire us all to greater heights of service, compassion, and excellence.”

His message aligns with broader calls across Nigeria during festive periods for unity, empathy and social responsibility.

Wider Context

Across Nigeria, religious and community leaders typically use Easter messages to address national values and encourage peaceful coexistence.

In recent years, such messages have also highlighted the role of education in fostering ethical leadership and civic responsibility.

What’s Next

Easter celebrations across campuses and communities are expected to continue through the weekend, with religious services, outreach activities and social gatherings.

Institutions like OAUSTECH are also expected to resume academic activities shortly after the holiday period.