The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on a scale rarely seen before in Nigeria. With over 2.2 million candidates registered, this year’s exercise underscores both the surging interest in tertiary education and the growing pressure on authorities to deliver a credible and transparent examination process.
The nationwide test will run from April 16 to about April 22–25, 2026, across close to 1,000 approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. As the country’s central admission screening system for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, the UTME remains a two-hour computer-based assessment. To handle the massive turnout, candidates have been spread across several sessions each day in different centres.
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One noticeable change this year is the adjustment to candidates’ reporting time. Those assigned to the first session are now required to be at their centres by 7:00 a.m., with the examination starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending by 10:30 a.m. This revision follows concerns raised in previous years about candidates having to travel before sunrise. JAMB has also confirmed that previously printed examination slips are still valid, removing the need for any reprinting.
To cope with the high volume of participants, the board has structured the exams into as many as four sessions daily. Alongside this, stricter measures have been introduced to tackle malpractice and technical shortcomings. No fewer than 23 CBT centres were disqualified after underperforming during mock tests, while some officials and technical staff have faced disciplinary actions. Monitoring has been strengthened, and enforcement rules tightened, with clear warnings against bringing banned items into the exam venue.
These steps are part of ongoing reforms aimed at restoring confidence in the system after past incidents involving glitches and irregularities. Candidates are therefore expected to strictly follow all laid-down procedures. This includes printing their examination slips, which contain essential details like date, time, and venue, arriving promptly, and visiting their assigned centres ahead of time to avoid confusion on exam day. Failure to comply with these instructions could result in missing the examination entirely.
JAMB has also made progress in promoting inclusivity by expanding support for candidates with disabilities through its Equal Opportunity Group. Special arrangements and assistance have been put in place to ensure that such candidates can sit for the examination under fair and accommodating conditions.
As Nigeria’s main gateway into higher education, the UTME plays a decisive role in determining admission prospects for millions of young people each year. The 2026 edition stands out not just because of its record participation, but also due to tighter supervision and operational improvements shaped by public feedback.
In essence, this year’s examination is marked by its size, stronger oversight, and refined logistics. Candidates are expected to go beyond academic preparation by adhering strictly to all guidelines, especially those concerning timing and conduct. Showing up on time, following instructions carefully, and being fully prepared will be just as important as performance in the exam itself.