An Islamic human rights organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has called on security agencies across Nigeria to ensure maximum protection for candidates and officials ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
The appeal was made in a statement issued on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, by MURIC’s Executive Director, Ishaq Akintola, who stressed the need for heightened vigilance during the examination period scheduled from April 16 to April 25.
MURIC specifically urged key security agencies—including the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to deploy adequate personnel to safeguard examination centres nationwide.
According to the group, the appeal is driven by growing concerns over insecurity, particularly in parts of Northern Nigeria where incidents of violence and banditry remain prevalent.
The organization identified Plateau State as a major flashpoint, warned that tensions among communities could expose candidates to potential attacks at examination venues or while commuting.
It also listed Borno State, Katsina State, Sokoto State, and Kwara State as areas of concern, cautioning that criminal elements such as bandits may exploit the examination period to carry out mass abductions.
MURIC emphasized that proactive security measures are essential to guarantee a safe and hitch-free examination process, noting that “eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.”
The group further urged authorities to prioritize the safety of young candidates, describing them as critical to the nation’s future.
