By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

Awka, April 24, 2025 (NAN) The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) officially started on Thursday at multiple Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in Awka, the capital of Anambra.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent who monitored activities at several centres in Awka and surrounding areas, observed that the examination was going on smoothly.

Some of the centres visited are the Integral Development Konsult(IDK) on Enugu/Onitsha Expressway, White House in Awka, Grafil Centre and Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.

Others included St. John of God ICT Hub, Awka and Kachukwu Ventures Staff Development Center, behind Government House in Awka.

NAN also reports that the examination centres take candidates in three batches: 7.00 a.m., 10.00 a.m. and 12.00 p.m.

At the St. John of God ICT Hub, candidates described the process as smooth and free of any major hitches.

Miss Ifeoma Mbah, a candidate who took part in the examination, praised the officials at the centre and JAMB for creating a peaceful and conducive environment for the exercise.

“This is my first time writing the UTME, and I’m really pleased. The computers functioned properly, everything was well-organised, and the calm atmosphere helped me concentrate. I did my best,” she said.

At the Grafil Centre, the examination was observed to be proceeding smoothly, with the exception of a few candidates who missed their scheduled time.

Michael Nnaji, a candidate, explained that he traveled from a distant town and faced transportation challenges, which caused him to arrive late at the centre.

“The exam had already started by the time I got here. I’m really hoping and praying that the officials will reschedule it for me,” he said.

Another candidate, Ezekiel Okpala, said this was his second time taking the UTME, and he remained hopeful about gaining university admission.

“This is my second attempt at the UTME. With the experience I’ve gained, I was able to handle the questions better.

“I”m very optimistic that I’ll pass and secure admission this time,” he said.

NAN reports that no fewer than two million candidates are expected to write the JAMB UTME, which commenced on April 24 and would end on May 5.

Officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were seen monitoring and securing the accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. 

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday directed an immediate overhaul of national security strategies, demanding urgent action to end the escalating violence in Borno, Benue, Plateau and Kwara.

The President who met with security chiefs at the State House, Abuja, for more than two hours, said the killing of innocent people in Borno, Benue and Plateau must cease.

“Enough is enough,” President Tinubu declared as he once again condemned the senseless targeting of innocent Nigerians, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the President’s spokesman, said in a statement.

Malam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), told State House correspondents that the service chiefs briefed the President on all the attacks in the states, the death toll, and the destruction of property.

The NSA said President Tinubu ordered a new approach to tackling the security challenges.

Ribadu noted that the President also actively monitored and gave instructions during his work visit to Paris and London.

“Mr President gave us the chance to come and brief him again. It lasted very long. We gave him an update on what was going on.

“Even when he was out there, he was constantly in touch, giving directives and following developments.

“Today, we had the opportunity to come and brief him again, and it lasted hours. It was a very detailed briefing, and it was exhaustive,” said Ribadu.

He said the security chiefs listened to Tinubu and took instructions from him.

“The fact is that Mr President is insisting that we work harder to restore security in the country.

“We gave him information on what has been happening and assured him of our commitment. We had carried out his instructions.

“We went to places with incidences of insecurity, such as Plateau, Benue, and Borno States.

“We went to those particular three states. We gave him feedback because he had directed us earlier to go and meet with the political authorities there,” he stated.

The NSA said the President highlighted the need to involve the local councils and state governments more in tackling cases of insecurity.

“The President directed that we work more with governors. He was very worried and concerned at the meeting. He said, ‘Enough is enough!” said Ribadu.

He said the attackers usually targeted innocent citizens by planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and targeting ungoverned areas. (NAN)

Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo has called Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) a major development.

Uzodinma, Chairman of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), stated this while speaking with journalists in Abuja following a closed-door meeting with other Progressive Governors.

Report says that Oborevwori officially joined the APC on Wednesday.

“When a governor joins our party, we view it as a significant event and a moment to commend ourselves and thank Almighty God.

“That’s exactly our sentiment. The Progressives Governors resolved today to celebrate this development and extend congratulations to one another,” Uzodinma said.

He noted that governors not originally elected on the APC platform now recognise President Bola Tinubu’s efforts and are aligning with the party for a united Nigeria.

“The APC treats sub-national governance with great importance.

“So, a governor defecting to our party is a heavy development in our political journey,” he said.

Uzodinma said the governors discussed the welfare of the APC and current national issues during their meeting.

They pledged continued support for President Tinubu’s policies and vowed to strengthen the ruling party.

He stated that the Progressive Governors would promote Tinubu’s achievements so that Nigerians can fully appreciate the administration’s progress.

“We’ll counter blackmail and propaganda aimed at tarnishing the government’s image.

“We, as Progressive Governors, firmly support President Tinubu and the APC government in Nigeria.

“We are pleased with the progress. In spite of challenges, the reform policies are beginning to yield visible results.

“We pray God grants the President wisdom, courage and strength to deliver greater dividends of democracy for Nigerians,” Uzodinma said.