The Oyo State Police Command has announced extensive security deployments ahead of the 2026 examination organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The move is aimed at ensuring a safe and hitch-free experience for thousands of candidates expected to sit the Computer-Based Test (CBT) across the state.

Police authorities say officers have been stationed at all examination centres, with additional patrols across major roads and communities.

What the Police Said

In a statement issued on 16 April 2026, the Commissioner of Police directed “comprehensive and robust security measures” to cover all CBT centres.

“Adequate security coverage has been emplaced at all Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Oyo State to ensure a safe, orderly, and hitch-free examination process for all candidates.”

The command also stressed that officers on stop-and-search duties must act professionally.

“Officers… have been specifically directed to be proactive, professional, and courteous while ensuring that candidates and other commuters… reach their destinations safely and without undue hindrance.”

Senior officers, including Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), have been tasked with ensuring full compliance within their jurisdictions.

“All… officers have been charged to take full responsibility… and ensure that no untoward incidents are recorded before, during, or after the examination period.”

Why It Matters

The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by JAMB, is a critical gateway for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges.

Any disruption ranging from insecurity to transport delays can affect candidates’ performance and access to higher education.

Enhanced security is therefore crucial in:

Preventing exam malpractice and impersonation

Ensuring safe movement of candidates

Maintaining order at crowded CBT centres

Public Assurance and Call for Cooperation

The police reassured candidates, parents, and guardians of their commitment to safety.

“The Command reassures members of the public… of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.”

Residents were also urged to support security agencies with timely information.

“The Command also calls for the cooperation of all residents in providing timely and credible information that could assist security agencies.”

What Candidates Should Know

Authorities advised candidates to:

Leave early for exam centres to avoid delays

Comply with security checks

Remain law-abiding throughout the examination

Emergency contacts provided include:

Oyo State Call Response Centre: 615 (toll-free)

Police Control Room: 08081768614, 07055495413

What’s Next

Security operations are expected to continue throughout the examination period, with monitoring before, during, and after each session.

Officials say the strategy may serve as a model for future nationwide examinations if successful.

Industry & Public Perspective

Education stakeholders say the increased security could boost confidence in Nigeria’s exam system, especially amid concerns over malpractice and logistics.

Parents and candidates, however, often call for balance ensuring security checks do not cause delays or anxiety on exam days.

Ondo State Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has said Nigeria’s economic and technological future will depend on the strength of its universities and the quality of leadership they produce.

He made the remarks on Thursday while delivering a lecture at the Foundation Day of Federal University of Technology, Akure, where he was guest speaker.

Speaking on the theme “Leadership, Organisational Performance and Technology in a Rapidly Changing World,” the governor said higher institutions must go beyond awarding degrees.

“A university of technology exists not merely to award academic degrees but to produce skilled, innovative and technologically competent graduates,” he said.

Why it matters

Nigeria is grappling with youth unemployment, digital transformation, and global economic shifts.

Experts say universities play a key role in preparing graduates who can compete globally and drive innovation locally.

Aiyedatiwa warned that without strong leadership and adaptable education systems, the country risks falling behind.

“The true measure of leadership is not only what we achieve today, but the future we prepare others to build,” he said.

Leadership beyond titles

The governor stressed that leadership is not about authority, but influence and adaptability.

“Leadership remains fundamental to organisational success,” he said, adding that it involves motivating people towards shared goals rather than coercion.

He described leadership as a continuous process shaped by interaction, experience and changing realities.

According to him, effective leaders combine different styles including democratic and autocratic approaches depending on the situation.

Universities as drivers of innovation

Aiyedatiwa described universities as critical to innovation, human capital development and national competitiveness.

He cited institutions such as:

Federal University of Technology, Akure

Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology

Adekunle Ajasin University

University of Medical Sciences Ondo

as key to Ondo State’s development strategy.

He also referenced plans to upgrade Rufus Giwa University of Agriculture.

Technology reshaping leadership

The governor noted that emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming leadership and organisational performance.

“Technology may change the tools we use, but leadership will always determine the direction in which society moves,” he said.

However, he cautioned that technology alone cannot guarantee success without strong leadership.

University response

The Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Adenike Oladiji, said leadership and technology are central to improving organisational performance.

“Technology has become central in the digital age, serving as a vital tool for leaders to shape organisational direction,” she said.

She also praised the Ondo State Government for infrastructure support, including a teaching hospital, water supply and road projects.

Industry and public perspective

Education analysts say Nigeria must align its university curriculum with global trends, especially in technology and leadership training.

What’s next

Aiyedatiwa urged universities to focus on:

Critical thinking

Adaptability

Leadership development

He said these skills are essential for navigating global disruptions.

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.