2.2 Million Candidates Hit CBT Centres as 2026 UTME Begins Nationwide

ABUJA – The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) kicked off across Nigeria on Thursday, with more than 2.2 million candidates expected to participate in the high-stakes computer-based test. Organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the exercise is scheduled to run from April 16 to April 22, spanning hundreds of accredited centres in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

​In a final virtual briefing for technical officers, the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, underscored the board’s commitment to a seamless exercise. He urged officials to maintain “maximum professionalism,” noting that the integrity of the 2026 cycle rests on the dedication of ad hoc staff and service providers.

​Tightened Security and New Protocols

​To ensure the credibility of the results, JAMB has deployed advanced technological measures, including:

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• ​Real-time Monitoring: Live surveillance of all 966 participating CBT centres.
• ​Enhanced Biometrics: Mandatory fingerprint and facial verification for every session.
• ​Revised Arrival Times: Candidates in the first daily session are now required to arrive by 7:00 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. start, a shift from previous years intended to ease early-morning logistics and security concerns.

​Prof. Oloyede reiterated a “zero-tolerance” policy regarding examination malpractice, warning that any candidate found with prohibited items—including mobile phones, electronic gadgets, or unauthorized pens—would be summarily disqualified.

​Addressing Technical Hitches

​Reflecting on the mock examination held in March, the Registrar admitted that several challenges arose from “inadequate assessment of centres” by some technical teams. In response, 23 centres were delisted for failing to meet operational standards.

​For candidates facing technical difficulties on-site, JAMB has introduced a safety net.

​”Candidates whose biometric details could not be verified at their assigned centres will not be turned away but will be rescheduled to sit the examination at specialized designated centres approved by the board,” Oloyede disclosed.

​Logistics and Inclusivity

​The 2026 exercise is one of the largest coordinated educational events in Africa. To manage the massive volume of students, each examination day is split into four distinct sessions. Furthermore, the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), led by Prof. Peter Okebukola, has put special arrangements in place to support candidates with disabilities, ensuring they have access to tailored testing environments.

​As the first batches of students exited halls in cities like Abuja and Lagos on Thursday morning, early reports suggested a generally smooth start, though some centres recorded minor delays in commencement. JAMB has promised incentive packages for officials and technical teams who demonstrate exceptional speed and accuracy in report submission throughout the week-long window.