OPM Founder Apostle Chibuzor Speaks Out on JAMB, Advocates for Its Abolition
Apostle Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, the General Overseer and founder of Omega Power Ministries (OPM), has publicly called for the cancellation of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In a Facebook post dated Saturday, April 18, 2026, the religious leader appealed directly to the Nigerian government to scrap the admission board, citing significant concerns over student safety and the overall admission process.
Security Incidents Prompt Urgent Appeal
The catalyst for Apostle Chibuzor's statement was a distressing incident involving the alleged kidnapping of two young JAMB candidates. According to reports, the teenagers were abducted while traveling to their exam center in Otukpo. A Twitter user, @raeofweb3, shared the harrowing account, noting that attempts to contact the boys led to a police officer answering one of their phones. This event highlighted the severe security risks faced by students during the UTME period, prompting widespread alarm.
Comparison with International Admission Systems
In his Facebook post, Apostle Chibuzor elaborated on his reasons for opposing JAMB, drawing comparisons with admission processes in other countries. He emphasized that Nigeria is unique in requiring the JAMB exam for university entry, whereas nations like the USA, UK, Poland, Cyprus, Canada, Ghana, and Cotonou typically admit students based on West African Examinations Council (WAEC) results and tuition fees. He criticized the Nigerian system for imposing multiple exams, such as JAMB, WAEC, and others, which can delay students' academic progress if they fail any component.
"I have been saying this for more than 8 years now. Scrap JAMB. Nigeria is the only country you write JAMB to gain admission into university," he stated. Apostle Chibuzor also highlighted OPM's scholarship programs, which have sent students abroad for over 16 years, underscoring the efficiency of foreign admission methods.
Public Reactions and Broader Concerns
The call to abolish JAMB has sparked reactions from other social media users. Alex Onyia, an X user, criticized JAMB for mandating that candidates arrive at exam centers as early as 6:30 a.m., despite Nigeria's precarious security situation. He expressed frustration that his previous warnings to JAMB about this issue were ignored, lamenting the lack of protective measures for students.
Additionally, the article references a separate incident where a Nigerian lady wept after checking her 2026 UTME result, blaming supernatural forces for her poor performance. This anecdote illustrates the emotional toll and superstitions often associated with the high-stakes exam, further fueling debates about its fairness and impact.
Background and Implications
Apostle Chibuzor's appeal adds to ongoing discussions about educational reforms in Nigeria. With JAMB being a central institution for tertiary admissions, his critique touches on broader issues of security, accessibility, and alignment with global standards. The kidnapping incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety protocols during national exams, while the comparison with international practices questions the necessity of JAMB in its current form.
As this story develops, it remains to be seen whether government authorities will respond to these calls for change. The combination of security threats and systemic criticisms presents a compelling case for reevaluating Nigeria's admission processes to better protect and serve its student population.
