How it unfolded
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is scheduled to take place from April 25 to May 5, 2026, in Plateau State, Nigeria. This examination is a critical step for candidates seeking admission into various tertiary institutions across the country. Just before this key development, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) had to address misinformation regarding the examination’s status, clarifying that it would proceed as planned.
On March 28, 2026, an optional Mock-UTME is set to be conducted, allowing candidates to familiarize themselves with the examination format. JAMB has reported that a total of 2,243,816 candidates successfully registered for the UTME, indicating a significant interest in higher education among Nigerian youth.
However, the examination process is not without its challenges. JAMB has warned that over 150 accredited Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centres were not visible on its central monitoring system during the registration process. This lack of visibility raises concerns about the integrity of the examination and the potential for malpractice. In response, JAMB has directed all 989 accredited centres to ensure their surveillance cameras are fully accessible in real-time from JAMB’s control room.
To enhance the credibility of the examination, JAMB has implemented various reforms, including the introduction of computer-based testing and a centralized oversight system. These measures aim to curb malpractice and ensure a fair examination process. JAMB’s registrar emphasized that since 2017, there have been no reported problems with the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), which is designed to ensure transparency in admissions.
In light of recent security concerns in Plateau State, JAMB has called for urgent intervention from government authorities and security agencies to ensure the safety of students during the examination period. Sadiq Mesalati, a JAMB official, stated, “No student should have to choose between education and personal safety. The right to education must include safe access to examination centres.” This statement underscores the importance of providing a secure environment for candidates.
Furthermore, JAMB has urged parents and candidates to take action if they believe they have been unfairly denied admission despite having satisfactory UTME scores. Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB’s registrar, encouraged individuals to protest if they are confident in their scores, highlighting the ease of the process due to CAPS. He remarked, “If you find anybody, if you are sure of yourself, you have a score, and this is the UTME score of my child, and you know that you ought to be admitted and you are not admitted, protest to us because CAPS has made everything easy.”
As the UTME approaches, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth and secure examination process for all candidates involved. JAMB’s commitment to reform and transparency is critical in maintaining the integrity of the examination system. The upcoming UTME not only represents an opportunity for candidates to advance their education but also serves as a test of the effectiveness of the measures implemented to safeguard the examination process.