𝗝𝗔𝗠𝗕 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗖𝗕𝗧 𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗔𝗦 𝗠𝗜𝗫𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗬 𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗘.

𝗝𝗔𝗠𝗕 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗦 𝗙𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗖𝗕𝗧 𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗡𝗜𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗔 𝗔𝗦 𝗠𝗜𝗫𝗘𝗗 𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗟 𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗟𝗬 𝗣𝗛𝗔𝗦𝗘.

By NigerDelta Voice Correspondents,

𝗔𝗰𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻,

26𝘁𝗵 𝗝𝗮𝗻. 2026.

Applicants seeking registration for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have continued to troop in large numbers to accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the Niger Delta, as early reports from the field indicate a combination of heavy turnout, technical delays and operational pressure at several locations.

NigerDelta Voice gathered situation reports from applicants, parents and on-ground observers across major CBT centres in the region, revealing that while registration is ongoing, the process has been largely slow and demanding in many states.

DELTA STATE

In Delta State, particularly in Asaba, Warri, Effurun and Sapele, applicants reported overcrowding and extended waiting hours at major CBT centres. Many candidates arrived as early as dawn, only to be told of limited daily registration capacity. Reports of system slowness and intermittent network failures were common, forcing some applicants to reschedule after spending long hours at the centres. Several candidates lamented repeated visits, increasing transportation costs and stress on guardians accompanying them.

RIVERS STATE

CBT centres in Port Harcourt, Choba and Rumuola witnessed intense registration activity, with Rivers State emerging as one of the busiest hubs in the region.

Applicants reported biometric capture challenges, overcrowded halls and delays linked to system responsiveness. Some candidates also raised concerns over unofficial charges allegedly demanded by intermediaries, further heightening frustration. Despite these challenges, registration has not been suspended in any major centre as of the time of filing this report.

BAYELSA STATE

In Yenagoa, Amassoma and Otuoke, registration activities were described as moderately organised, though limited CBT centres in the state have resulted in pressure and spillover. Power supply interruptions occasionally halted registration processes, forcing applicants to wait for hours before resumption. Nevertheless, Bayelsa recorded relatively fewer crowd-control issues compared to neighbouring states.

AKWA IBOM STATE

Applicants in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene and Eket reported an orderly but slow registration process. Centres were observed to strictly enforce daily registration limits, with candidates who arrived late being asked to return another day. Network fluctuation during peak periods also slowed down biometric capture and data upload.

CROSS RIVER STATE

CBT centres in Calabar, Ogoja and Obudu recorded lighter crowds, particularly outside the state capital. However, Calabar centres experienced growing pressure due to the influx of candidates from neighbouring states. So far, reports of major technical breakdowns remain minimal, though observers note that turnout is increasing daily.

EDO AND ONDO STATES (REGIONAL SPILLOVER)

Edo State, especially Benin City, has become a fallback destination for applicants from Delta and Ondo states, resulting in heavy congestion and long waiting times.

In Ondo State, centres in Akure, Owo, Agadagba-Obon and Akungba reported steady turnout but persistent biometric delays, with some candidates asked to return without definite timelines.

As the registration window progresses, pressure on CBT centres across the Niger Delta is expected to intensify. Applicants are advised to arrive early, verify centre accreditation, avoid unofficial payments and ensure accurate NIN details before proceeding.

NigerDelta Voice will continue to monitor developments and provide updates from the field.