Manny Ita –
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that more than two million candidates are participating in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), marking one of the highest turnouts in recent years.
As the nationwide examination progresses, the board confirmed that it has delisted 23 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres due to technical failures and operational inefficiencies. According to JAMB, the affected centres failed to meet the required standards for conducting a smooth and credible examination, prompting their immediate suspension to prevent disruption to candidates.
JAMB officials stated that candidates initially assigned to the delisted centres are being reassigned to alternative locations, with assurances that no student will be disadvantaged. The board urged affected candidates to reprint their examination slips to access updated details of their new centres and schedules.
In a separate development, JAMB issued a strong warning against any form of discrimination, particularly targeting reports that some centres attempted to restrict candidates wearing hijabs. The board emphasized that all registered candidates have the right to sit for the examination without harassment or bias based on religious or cultural attire.
The examination body reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, warning CBT operators and invigilators to adhere strictly to its guidelines or face sanctions. It also encouraged candidates and the public to report any irregularities encountered during the examination process.
The updates come amid heightened concern over candidate safety and logistics, especially following recent security incidents affecting students in parts of the country. JAMB assured stakeholders that it is working closely with security agencies and relevant authorities to ensure a safe and fair examination environment nationwide.
With millions of candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions, the 2026 UTME remains a critical gateway, and JAMB says it is committed to upholding the integrity and inclusiveness of the process.
