Follow Us on Google
•We’ve put in place robust mechanisms to identify, prosecute offenders’
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Barring any unexpected changes, the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is expected to kick off on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in less than 48 hours, for nearly two million candidates in about 989 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said in Abuja, that all was set, assuring candidates that it has tightened all loosed ends and improved on its systems and facilities to ensure a smooth UTME experience.
It also confirmed that the mock UTME conducted for 224,579 candidates afforded the board the opportunity to test-run its new systems and the readiness of its facilities, manpower and other logistics, that would guarantee successful exercise.
Similarly, JAMB said all accredited CBT centres set for the exercise, adding that some CBT centres who were found to have compromised in standards were recently delisted and barred from participating in the UTME for the sake of standard, confidence and credibility of the examination.
Kenneth (surname withheld), said: “My first UTME was in a private CBT centre in Abuja. The experience was not a good one. I participated in the last year UTME in another private CBT centre in Kurudu, Abuja. This year, my centre is the JAMB CBT centre in Bwari. I expect JAMB to have passed this level of the ‘teething’ challenges.”
He, however, confirmed that JAMB has witnessed a significant transformation from what it used to be years ago, but there’s room for improvement. “My elder ones have told me their experiences with UTME some years ago when it was pen and paper with several difficulties. Unarguably, there’s significant departure from what it used to be.”
Another candidate in Kubwa, Farida, said her confidence in JAMB is a bit high this time considering the lots of promises, assurances and fresh innovations that have been put in place by JAMB: “For me, the journey has been smooth right from the time of registration to mock UTME. I never had any cause to worry. Perhaps, because I was properly guided by people who have experience in the system. So, I expect my UTME session to be hitch-free.”
At a CBT centre in Kurudu, Abuja, a parent who pleaded anonymity said the exercise was peaceful and hitch-free for his son. “My son came as early possible, and his biometric verification was seamless, and was immediately ushered into the hall.”
He appealed to JAMB to sustain the effort to ensure UTME witnesses seamless participation and good experiences from the candidates: “Nevertheless, I believe JAMB often uses mock to check its readiness for the main UTME. So, I suggest they collate all the complains and frustrations of candidates as well as the CBT centre operators, analyse them critically and make necessary corrections preparatory for the UTME.”
Steps to hitch-free UTME
JAMB said it has made some fresh innovations ahead of this year’s exercise. This was in response to the lapses and gaps identified in the previous years. These would, perhaps, strengthen the systems particularly in curbing impersonation, examination malpractices, and other things that could compromise the quality and the credential of the exercise.
Other News
Alternate Test Engine is one of the key introductions. It came with cardinal features and other useful information that would enhance the sanctity of the UTME. There were several other silent innovations that have also been deployed to identify infractions during the registration that would also be deeply useful in the UTME.
JAMB said it has also strengthened its CCTV monitoring systems, and directed all participating CBT centres to ensure that their surveillance cameras are accessible and viewable from the board’s control room at its headquarters in Abuja.
It warned that any of the 989 accredited centres where registration or examination activities could not be monitored in real time may be declared invalid, while the affected centres risk not being paid for their services: “The decision was aimed at ensuring full transparency, allowing the board to observe and monitor all activities during examinations across centres.”
JAMB had also exposed its Biometric Verification Registration Officers (BVROs) to new tricks of the candidates, and solicited vigilance during the exercise. It highlighted their roles in detecting impersonation and other infractions capable of compromising the integrity of the examination.
JAMB Registrar, Prof Is-haq Oloyede explained that the BVROs are entrusted with managing the biometric capture and verification processes for candidates, which is a key component of the UTME. “As the link between the candidates and the examination, BVROs have the responsibility of giving their best in the service of the board.”
JAMB encouraged candidates to prepare themselves adequately, print their notification slips as early as possible as it contains vital information regarding their examination details. The notification slip contains examination date, venue (centre), time, other essential details necessary for successfully sitting for the examination.
It advised that candidates to familiarize themselves with their examination centres at least one or two days before the examination day to help ensure a smooth experience on examination day.
The board maintained that candidates would be assigned to centres within their chosen examination towns; stressing that no candidate will be placed in a centre outside their selected town.
It asked candidates to work diligently, earn their scores honestly, and avoid any form of examination malpractice that could lead to prosecution. It disclosed that many candidates are currently facing legal consequences for offences such as impersonation and result falsification, and emphasized that there is no shortcut to success; the only path is through hard work.
“More than five candidates from the 2025 UTME exercise have already been convicted for various examination infractions. It is even riskier now for anyone to attempt malpractice, because the board has deployed advanced technology capable of detecting and apprehending offenders instantly,” an official said.
JAMB reiterated that it will not entertain any pleas for leniency, stressing that sufficient warnings have already been issued to all candidates: “Candidates are therefore encouraged to focus on their studies and prepare adequately, rather than engaging in dishonest practices that could jeopardize their future. For the 2026 UTME, the board has put in place robust mechanisms to identify and prosecute any would-be offenders.”
