FG Proposes March for 2027 UTME, April to July for Other Exams

The Federal Government has proposed a coordinated timetable for major national examinations in 2027, with the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scheduled for March and other examinations running from April to July.

The proposed calendar, announced by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Thursday, is designed to reduce clashes between examinations and ensure candidates receive their results early enough to begin tertiary admission processes by September 2027.

Under the proposed schedule, the UTME will hold from March 15 to 25, while the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination is scheduled for April 1 to May 14.

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) West African Senior School Certificate Examination is proposed for May 11 to June 18. The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations are scheduled for June 1 to July 5, while the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) examination will run from June 10 to July 9.

The government is targeting August for the release of results from NECO, WAEC, NABTEB and NBAIS, while UTME results are expected in March.

The harmonisation initiative follows consultations between the Federal Ministry of Education, JAMB and other examination bodies. It seeks to improve coordination, minimise timetable conflicts and ensure that eligible candidates can proceed with admission applications without unnecessary delays.

The Federal Ministry of Education said the plan aligns with its broader education reform agenda under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which prioritises efficiency and improved educational outcomes.

The ministry is expected to continue working with the examination bodies to support implementation and ensure the proposed dates are met.

However, JAMB has emphasised that the timetable remains provisional, urging candidates to follow official announcements from the respective examination bodies for confirmation of examination dates and other arrangements.