All preparations have been concluded for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) sets to begin the nationwide test on April 16. Over 2.2 million registered candidates are expected to sit for the exam, which will run until April 22 across 966 accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
The Board confirmed that 23 CBT centres were recently delisted for poor performance during the mock UTME, leaving only centres that met required standards.
JAMB has directed all candidates to print their examination notification slips, which contain essential details such as exam date, time, and venue. It warned that failure to do so may hinder smooth participation.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, the Board advised candidates to familiarise themselves with their examination centres early to avoid last-minute challenges.
To fortify exam integrity, JAMB disclosed the implementation of enhanced security protocols and reiterated its zero-tolerance stance toward malpractice, noting that violators will face strict penalties. Candidates were also cautioned against bringing banned items into the examination hall.
Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, urged exam officials to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, noting that their conduct plays a critical role in the success of the UTME. He commended the smooth conduct of the mock exam but emphasised that technical lapses during the exercise would not be tolerated going forward.
To improve efficiency, JAMB announced new incentives for high-performing technical teams and the deployment of advanced technologies, including an alternate examination system recently tested with a 90% success rate.
The Board further assured that candidates with disabilities would receive adequate support through the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG).
In a related development, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) has partnered with JAMB to adopt CBT for its staff promotion exams, underscoring JAMB’s expanding role in standardized testing.
Across states such as Abuja and Ogun, officials have intensified monitoring of CBT centres, warning operators with previously recorded deficiencies to fix them immediately or face sanctions.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has introduced the Learner Identification Number (LIN), a nationwide digital system designed to enhance student data management, curb exam fraud, and promote transparency across the education sector.
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