Over 2.2 million candidates have begun the 2026 UTME across Nigeria, as JAMB deploys advanced technology and strict measures to ensure a credible examination process.
ABUJA, Nigeria – No fewer than 2.2 million candidates on Thursday commenced the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across accredited centres nationwide.
The examination, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, is scheduled to run from April 16 to April 22, with multiple sessions held daily to manage the large number of candidates.
Registrar of JAMB, Is-haq Oloyede, urged examination officials to maintain professionalism and diligence, noting that the credibility of the UTME depends heavily on their conduct.
He gave the directive during a virtual briefing with technical officers ahead of the nationwide exercise, commending stakeholders for their roles in the successful conduct of the mock examination.
Oloyede acknowledged that most issues encountered during the mock exercise were due to inadequate centre assessments by some officials, stressing the need for improved oversight.
To encourage efficiency, he disclosed that incentive packages would be awarded to teams demonstrating exceptional performance, particularly in handling examination logistics and timely reporting.
Reaffirming the board’s zero-tolerance stance on malpractice, the registrar warned candidates against bringing prohibited items into examination halls.
He added that advanced measures, including biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems, have been deployed to safeguard the integrity of the examination.
Candidates facing biometric verification challenges, he said, would be rescheduled to sit the examination at designated centres approved by the board.
The UTME remains one of Nigeria’s largest coordinated educational exercises, involving complex logistics, technology deployment, and personnel management nationwide.
For the 2026 edition, about 966 Computer-Based Test centres are participating, each required to meet strict operational standards, including reliable systems, stable connectivity, and trained personnel.
At Aduvie International School, one of the accredited centres, the first session scheduled for 8:30 a.m. commenced slightly behind schedule at about 8:40 a.m., reflecting minor logistical delays in the early phase of the examination.
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