Dare Babalola
The Nigeria Police Force has deployed personnel to all computer-based test (CBT) centres in Osun State to ensure the safety of candidates participating in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Abiodun Ojelabi, disclosed the development in a statement on Thursday, noting that the deployment was part of a nationwide directive to guarantee a smooth and secure examination process.
According to him, officers had already been stationed at designated centres ahead of the commencement of the examination.
“We have deployed our men since last week for the UTME. The directive came from Abuja to provide security for the examination, and we have complied fully,” he said.
Ojelabi added that all police divisions within the state had taken responsibility for centres under their jurisdictions, ensuring that adequate security presence is maintained throughout the exercise.
“At any centre you visit, you will see our officers on the ground. Deployment has been carried out across all centres,” he stated.
The 2026 UTME, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, is scheduled to run from April 16 to April 25.
The examination body has indicated that approximately 2.2 million candidates are expected to sit for the test across 966 CBT centres nationwide.
Authorities say the security measures are aimed at preventing disruptions and safeguarding candidates as they undertake one of Nigeria’s most critical entrance examinations into tertiary institutions.
