*Says UTME recorded minimal hitches nationwide
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is progressing smoothly nationwide, with only minimal technical and operational challenges recorded.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the University of Ibadan Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of the Board’s routine monitoring of examination centres.
According to Oloyede, the examination process has largely been successful across the country, with only a handful of centres experiencing minor setbacks related to power supply and technical faults.
“Out of about 980 centres nationwide, we have recorded issues in only about 16 centres,” he stated.
The JAMB Registrar further noted that the Board had successfully conducted examinations for more than 1.7 million candidates within three days, describing the overall process as “superb.”
He also commended the cooperation of key stakeholders, including vice-chancellors, rectors, and academic officials serving as proctors, for ensuring smooth conduct of the examination.
Addressing security concerns, particularly reports of alleged kidnapping of candidates, Oloyede urged media practitioners to exercise caution and avoid linking such incidents directly to JAMB without verified evidence.
“It is unfortunate that people were kidnapped, but linking them directly to JAMB without evidence complicates security efforts,” he said, adding that “The focus should be on ensuring their safe return.”
Oloyede also clarified public concerns about early arrival times, explaining that examinations do not begin at 6:30 a.m., but candidates are required to arrive early for accreditation procedures.
He explained that the Board adjusted the examination start time from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. following feedback, though the adjustment resulted in longer waiting periods for some candidates.
The Registrar further addressed misconceptions surrounding UTME, stressing that the examination is only one component of the admission process, alongside O-Level requirements and other institutional criteria.
He warned candidates and parents against engaging fraudsters promising score manipulation or “exam runs,” revealing that JAMB had intensified efforts to track and prosecute offenders.
“We have our own mechanisms to detect such fraud. Those who attempt shortcuts will be identified and sanctioned,” Oloyede warned.
He also cited a case involving a suspect arrested for examination malpractice who allegedly continued defrauding parents from detention by claiming he could upgrade candidates’ scores.
Oloyede encouraged the public to report suspicious social media platforms, while commending security agencies for supporting JAMB’s efforts to curb examination malpractice.
He assured Nigerians that the Board remains committed to conducting credible, transparent, and hitch-free examinations aimed at strengthening the admission process nationwide.
