Viral Video Sparks Outrage Over 6:30AM JAMB Exam Claim — But It Was False

A viral video recently stirred nationwide anger after a woman claimed that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had scheduled the 2025 UTME exam for 6:30 AM. The claim, widely shared on social media, painted the exam body as inconsiderate and reckless—especially given Nigeria’s security concerns and the young age of many candidates.

But upon investigation, the claim turned out to be false.

JAMB had never scheduled any exam for 6:30AM. What it did instruct was for candidates to arrive at their centres from 6:30 AM for verification, with the actual exams set to begin at 8:00 AM. Yet the misinformation had already done its damage, triggering widespread condemnation and sensational media headlines—some even declaring, “Nigeria is finished.”

Why Do Nigerians Fall for Misinformation?

This incident highlights a deeper issue in Nigeria: the widespread acceptance and propagation of unverified information, especially when it involves a public institution. The rush to outrage often replaces the need for fact-checking, and many media platforms play into this narrative without confirming basic facts.

A glaring double standard has also emerged. When embassies or foreign institutions demand early arrival—sometimes as early as 6:00 AM—many Nigerians comply without question. They wake up at 4:00 AM, line up silently, and even pay touts for a place in line. No one screams “injustice” on social media. No videos go viral.

Yet when JAMB, a Nigerian institution, requests early arrival for verification, it’s seen as oppression.

A Brief Look Back: Then and Now

Older generations who wrote JAMB in the 1990s and early 2000s understand that early arrival has always been the norm. Candidates would travel hours to get forms and arrive at exam centres as early as 4:30 AM. There were no viral complaints, just commitment.

Today, the same parents who once endured these conditions are now at the front of the outrage—sometimes while accompanying their children to exams for questionable reasons, including aiding malpractice or seeking “special centre” privileges.

The Truth About Verification and Security

While security remains a genuine concern, the truth is that exams still need to be conducted, and JAMB must implement verification to prevent impersonation and fraud. Asking candidates to arrive early for a process that begins at 8:00 AM is neither new nor unreasonable.

Furthermore, candidates were advised during registration to select CBT centres near their location. If parents were truly concerned about their child’s safety, they would prioritize proximity—rather than seeking alternative arrangements, often with unethical undertones.

The Bigger Picture: Sensationalism vs Solutions

What this situation really reveals is a worrying cultural trend: a society quick to outrage but slow to verify. Politicians and influencers often jump on such viral moments to gain attention, further dividing public opinion without offering real solutions.

The truth is, JAMB’s request was sensible. What deserves more concern is:

• The existence of special centres,
• Inadequate infrastructure, and
• Digital illiteracy among candidates who struggle with basic system use.

Education should be treated with seriousness, not politicized at every opportunity.

Final Word

Nigeria has challenges, but not every policy is an attack. Before raising false alarms, let’s all:

1. Verify claims before sharing.
2. Apply the same standard to Nigerian institutions as we do to foreign ones.
3. Hold on to truth over trend—especially when our children’s future is involved.

Let’s build, not break, the systems that serve our youth.

Enough is enough.

– Timothy Odedina