The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a key adjustment to the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) schedule, introducing new arrival times for candidates across the country.
In the latest update, the examination body revealed that candidates scheduled for the first session will now be required to arrive at their Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:00 a.m., instead of the earlier 6:30 a.m.
Despite the shift in arrival time, JAMB confirmed that the exam itself will still begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m., giving candidates enough time for verification and pre-exam procedures.
The adjustment affects all sessions nationwide, with a structured timetable that includes multiple sittings daily to accommodate the millions of candidates expected to participate in the exam.
According to JAMB, this change was made after considering complaints from candidates and parents about the difficulties and safety risks associated with traveling very early in the morning. The Board also emphasized that candidates do not need to reprint their examination slips, as the existing slips remain valid despite the adjustment.
Further clarification from officials indicates that the decision was also influenced by security concerns and the need for smoother coordination at exam centres nationwide.
The 2026 UTME, a crucial exam for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, is scheduled to hold between April 16 and April 25, 2026, with over 2 million candidates expected to sit for the nationwide test.
Candidates have been strongly advised to adhere strictly to the revised schedule, arrive early, and comply with all examination guidelines to avoid disqualification.
As preparations intensify, this adjustment is seen as part of JAMB’s ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, enhance security, and ensure a smoother examination process for all candidates.
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