Over 2.2 million candidates are set to sit for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) from April 16 to April 22. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will administer the exam across 966 accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide, after delisting 23 centres due to poor performance during the mock exercise. Candidates are required to print their examination notification slips, which contain their specific date, time, and venue, as failure to do so may hinder participation. JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin advised candidates to familiarise themselves with their centres in advance. Enhanced security measures have been deployed to prevent malpractice, and candidates are prohibited from bringing unauthorised items into the exam halls. JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede confirmed that 11 technical officers were delisted for underperformance, with additional sanctions pending. The board has introduced incentives for high-performing teams and implemented a new alternate examination system, which recorded a 90 per cent success rate during testing. Candidates with disabilities will be supported through the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG).
The scale of the 2026 UTME, with over 2.2 million candidates and a significantly reduced number of approved centres, means competition will be more intense and logistics tighter than in previous years. Students must ensure they print their slips early and visit their test centres before exam day to avoid disqualification or delays, especially given that 23 centres were delisted and technical staff are under strict monitoring.
This development reflects growing pressure on Nigeria's examination system to maintain credibility amid rising candidate numbers and technological challenges. With JAMB's system now being adopted by agencies like FCDA for internal exams, the board's standards are becoming a benchmark. For candidates, preparation must go beyond academics to include strict adherence to procedures and timelines. Parents and guardians should assist by ensuring candidates are fully briefed on logistics and prohibited items well ahead of the exam date.
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