The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is progressing with minimal challenges across Nigeria.
Few Issues Recorded Across Centres
JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this during a monitoring visit to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre at the University of Ibadan.
He explained that only a small number of centres experienced issues, mainly due to power supply and minor technical faults.
According to him, out of nearly 1,000 centres nationwide, only about 16 reported challenges.
Over 1.7 Million Candidates Examined
Oloyede noted that the board has successfully conducted examinations for over 1.7 million candidates within the first few days.
He described the overall process as smooth and commended the support of stakeholders, including academic officials and supervisors.
Clarification on Exam Timing
The registrar also addressed concerns about early arrival times.
He clarified that the examination does not start at 6:30 a.m., but candidates are required to arrive early for verification and accreditation.
He added that the start time was adjusted to 8:30 a.m. to improve the process, although some candidates experienced longer waiting periods.
Warning Against Exam Fraud
JAMB issued a strong warning to candidates and parents regarding exam malpractice.
The board advised against engaging with individuals or platforms promising score upgrades or “exam runs.
”Oloyede revealed that several suspects involved in such activities are already facing prosecution.
He stressed that JAMB has systems in place to detect fraud and ensure that offenders are punished.
Misinformation and Security Concerns
On reports linking candidates’ safety issues to the examination, the registrar urged caution.
He noted that unverified information can create unnecessary panic and complicate security efforts.
Commitment to Credible Exams
JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the UTME.
The board also encouraged the public to report suspicious activities and fraudulent platforms.
Authorities say continuous monitoring and cooperation with security agencies will help ensure a fair and credible examination process.
