The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will conduct the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) from April 16 to approximately April 22‑25, 2026. More than 2.2 million candidates have registered to sit the computer‑based test at nearly 1,000 accredited centres across the country. The two‑hour exam serves as the main screening tool for entry into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, with up to four daily sessions to accommodate the large volume.
A key change this year is the reporting time for the first session: candidates must now be present by 7:00 a.m., with the test starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 10:30 a.m., replacing the previous 6:30 a.m. requirement. JAMB confirmed that existing examination slips remain valid and do not need to be reprinted. In preparation for the main exam, about 23 CBT centres were removed from the list after poor performance in mock exams, and officials involved faced sanctions. Enhanced monitoring and stricter enforcement protocols are in place, with candidates warned that prohibited items will attract severe penalties. Candidates are required to print their slips showing date, venue and time, arrive punctually and familiarize themselves with their centre to avoid disqualification.
The shift to a 7:00 a.m. reporting time means Nigerian students must adjust travel plans and ensure they reach the test centre well before the start, as late arrival can lead to immediate disqualification. This adjustment reflects JAMB's broader push for tighter exam security and smoother logistics, which directly impacts the timing of university admissions cycles. Parents and guardians should verify that their children have printed, up‑to‑date slips and have visited or mapped the test centre in advance to avoid any last‑minute complications.
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