Enough is Enough : WACOL Women Storm JAMB Office Over Systemic Failures Sabotaging Southeast Students
Umuahia, Abia State – In a powerful display of civic action, members of the Women Aid Collective (WACOL), led by Abia State Coordinator Lady Ugo Kalu, staged a peaceful protest today at the Abia State office of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Their mission: to demand urgent intervention over persistent technical failures that have disproportionately affected candidates in Southeast Nigeria and parts of Lagos.
Undeterred by heavy rain, the women gathered in solidarity, voicing their frustration over JAMB’s repeated system glitches, which have marred recent examination results and triggered widespread concern among students and parents alike. The demonstrators insisted that the recurring issues appear targeted, questioning why the setbacks predominantly impact a specific region.
Lady Kalu addressed the crowd passionately, stating, “This is no longer a coincidence. Why are these glitches largely affecting only the Southeast and parts of southern Lagos? Are we witnessing a deliberate attempt to sabotage the future of our children?”
She called on JAMB to immediately overhaul its technological infrastructure, warning that continued failures would deepen public distrust and damage the credibility of Nigeria’s education system. “Our students deserve fairness and reliability. These flaws risk setting our education back and crushing dreams,” she added.
Echoing her concerns, Lady Ify Ezenwoke, WACOL’s Abia Central Senatorial District Coordinator, highlighted the emotional and psychological impact of the failures on affected students. “We are here to demand accountability. JAMB must take responsibility and put an end to this distressing trend,” she declared.
In a deeply moving moment, Lady Ezenwoke recounted the heartbreaking story of a young female student who allegedly took her life after her exam results were compromised. “This tragedy underscores the urgency of reform. We must act before more lives are lost,” she urged.
Representing JAMB, Mrs. Calista Umeadi, Head of Servicom in Abia, received the protesters and praised their peaceful demonstration. She assured them that their concerns would be escalated to the appropriate authorities, stating, “JAMB is not ignoring the issue. Efforts are underway to address the failures and restore trust.”
The protest received backing from other WACOL leaders, including Elder Mrs. Ori Anya (Abia North) and Lady Eunice Nwigwe (Abia South), reinforcing the collective’s call for systemic change and equitable treatment of all Nigerian students.
As WACOL amplifies its advocacy, the message is clear: the educational dreams of Southeast youths must not be sacrificed to negligence, inefficiency, or bias.
