Over 2.2 million candidates across Nigeria have begun sitting for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which officially commenced on Thursday at accredited computer-based test centres nationwide.
The examination, conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), is scheduled to run from April 16 through April 22, with multiple sessions held each day to accommodate the large number of candidates.
Ahead of the exercise, JAMB Registrar, Is-haq Oloyede, urged all examination personnel to uphold high standards of professionalism and dedication, noting that the smooth conduct of the UTME largely depends on their efficiency and commitment.
Speaking during a virtual briefing organised for technical officers prior to the examination, Oloyede praised the efforts of staff members, ad hoc officials, service providers, and technical advisers who contributed to the successful execution of the recent mock UTME.
He explained that most of the issues encountered during the mock examination were traced to insufficient evaluation of some centres by designated technical teams. He stressed the need for more thorough assessments to prevent similar challenges during the main examination.
To encourage improved performance, the registrar revealed that JAMB would introduce incentive packages for teams that demonstrate exceptional service delivery. These rewards, he noted, would recognise prompt handling of examination materials and timely submission of operational reports.
Reaffirming the board’s strict stance against malpractice, Oloyede warned candidates to avoid bringing prohibited items into examination halls, emphasizing that any violation would attract serious consequences.
He further disclosed that the board has deployed advanced technological measures to ensure the integrity of the examination process. These include biometric verification systems and real-time monitoring tools designed to detect and prevent irregularities.
Candidates whose biometric data cannot be successfully verified, he added, will be rescheduled to take the examination at designated centres approved by JAMB.
The UTME remains one of the largest coordinated educational assessments in Nigeria, requiring extensive logistical planning, technological infrastructure, and collaboration among various stakeholders nationwide.
