The Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja Branch, has tasked the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to ensure justice over the alleged exclusion of several candidates from the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) due to biometric verification failures at various examination centres across the country.

In a letter dated 15th May 2026 and jointly signed on behalf of the Branch by the Chairman, Adeniyi Quadri, Esq., and the Secretary, Ayodeji Olabiwonnu, Esq., the Branch expressed concern over what it described as the “grave injustice” suffered by candidates who were reportedly unable to sit for the examination despite arriving at their centres on time and complying with all laid down guidelines and procedures.

According to the Branch, numerous complaints and distress reports were received from affected candidates, parents, and members of the public following the conduct of the UTME on April 16, 2026.

The Branch stated that the affected candidates reportedly encountered persistent difficulties during the biometric verification process due to alleged technical malfunctions associated with the fingerprint capturing devices deployed by the examination body.

It added that despite repeated attempts by officials at the centres, the candidates were eventually denied access to the examination halls while the examinations proceeded without them.

“The inability to verify their biometrics arose through no fault, negligence, misconduct, or omission attributable to the candidates themselves,” the letter stated.

NBA Ikeja further disclosed that some candidates were instructed to submit photocopies of their examination slips and were allegedly assured verbally that arrangements would be made for a rescheduled examination, but noted that no official communication or remedial action had since been taken by the Board.

The Branch warned that failure to address the issue promptly could result in innocent students losing an academic year over circumstances beyond their control.

NBA Ikeja therefore urged JAMB to immediately investigate the reported failures, identify all affected candidates, organise a make-up examination for them, and provide clear and timely communication to candidates, parents, and the general public regarding measures being taken to resolve the matter.