The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revised the arrival time for candidates writing the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In a notice posted on its official X handle on Monday, JAMB announced that first-session candidates are now required to arrive at their examination centres by 7:00 a.m., an adjustment from the previously scheduled 6:30 a.m. The examination will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m. JAMB stated the change applies specifically to the first session of the daily four-session timetable, which runs from Monday to Friday. The 2026 UTME is set for Thursday, April 16 to Saturday, April 25, 2026. The board made the adjustment in response to concerns from candidates and parents about early morning travel challenges, including safety and transportation issues. Candidates are not required to reprint their examination slips following the update.
The revised arrival time of 7:00 a.m. for the first session of the 2026 UTME offers relief to candidates who previously faced difficulties commuting early in the morning, particularly in areas with limited transport and safety concerns. This change means students can now prepare more realistically for exam day without the pressure of reaching centres in the dark, which could improve focus and reduce stress-related underperformance.
For the Nigerian education system, where logistics often affect exam outcomes more than academic readiness, this adjustment reflects a rare responsiveness to public feedback. It sets a precedent for aligning policy with practical realities faced by students, especially those in rural or underserved areas. As JAMB continues to refine the CBT process, further improvements in scheduling and accessibility could enhance equity in access to tertiary education.
Candidates should confirm their session times on their original examination slips and plan travel accordingly, knowing that no reprint is necessary despite the time change.
