By Mandy Park
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a last-minute adjustment to the schedule of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), sparking mixed reactions among candidates and stakeholders across the country.
In a statement issued late Sunday, the Board said the change became necessary due to what it described as “unforeseen logistical and operational considerations,” including the need to streamline examination processes and ensure a hitch-free exercise nationwide.
According to JAMB, affected candidates are advised to urgently reprint their examination notification slips to confirm their new dates, time, and designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
The Board emphasized that no candidate would be allowed into any examination centre without presenting an updated slip reflecting the revised schedule.
The examination body reassured candidates that the adjustment would not affect the integrity of the examination or their chances of admission into tertiary institutions.
It further stated that all necessary measures had been put in place to guarantee a smooth conduct of the exercise, including enhanced coordination with accredited CBT centres and security agencies.
The UTME, conducted annually by JAMB, remains a critical requirement for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.
Each year, over a million candidates sit for the examination, making it one of the largest standardized tests in the country.
Some candidates who spoke to our correspondent expressed concern over the sudden change, citing challenges such as travel arrangements, accommodation, and psychological readiness.
Others, however, commended the Board for prioritizing a seamless examination process, even if it meant making last-minute adjustments.
Education stakeholders have urged JAMB to improve its communication strategy to minimize disruption and anxiety among candidates.
They noted that while operational challenges may arise, timely and proactive information dissemination remains crucial in maintaining public confidence.
In recent years, JAMB has introduced several reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency, including the use of biometric verification, mock examinations, and the central admissions processing system.
The Board has also continued its crackdown on examination malpractice, warning that any candidate found engaging in fraudulent practices would face severe sanctions.
Candidates are therefore advised to regularly monitor official JAMB communication channels for updates and comply strictly with all examination guidelines as the 2026 UTME approaches.
