The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reported minimal disruptions in the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with more than 1.7 million candidates participating in the nationwide exercise across accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed that the examination has so far proceeded smoothly in most centres across the country, despite a few minor operational challenges. According to the Board, the overall conduct of the examination reflects continued improvements in the administration of Nigeria’s tertiary entrance assessment.
As part of efforts to address concerns raised by candidates and stakeholders, the Board adjusted the official start time of the examination from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The adjustment, JAMB explained, was introduced in response to public feedback, although it has occasionally resulted in longer waiting periods at some centres.
The Board also cautioned against the circulation of unverified reports linking security incidents to the UTME exercise. JAMB emphasised that isolated security concerns in some parts of the country should not be hastily attributed to the examination without credible evidence.
Meanwhile, the Board reiterated its strong stance against examination malpractice, warning candidates and parents to avoid individuals promising to manipulate UTME scores. JAMB revealed that several suspects, including candidates and a parent, have already been apprehended over attempts to falsify examination results using digital tools.
The examination body further stressed that UTME remains only one component of the tertiary admission process in Nigeria, alongside O’Level requirements and institutional screening exercises conducted by universities and other tertiary institutions.
Despite isolated challenges, JAMB maintained that the 2026 UTME exercise demonstrates ongoing reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and credibility in Nigeria’s admission system.
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