Nigeria’s tertiary education admissions process has officially commenced as more than 2.2 million candidates begin the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across the country. The nationwide exercise, organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, started on Thursday, April 16, and is scheduled to run through April 22 at accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
A Major National Exercise
The UTME remains one of the largest coordinated examinations in Nigeria, involving extensive logistics, personnel, and digital infrastructure. This year’s edition is being conducted across approximately 966 approved centres nationwide, each expected to meet strict operational standards, including reliable internet connectivity, functional computer systems, and trained personnel.
To ensure efficiency and reduce congestion, the examination is structured into four daily sessions. This arrangement is designed to streamline candidate verification processes and improve the overall examination experience.
Emphasis on Professionalism and Accountability
Ahead of the examination, the Registrar of JAMB, Is-haq Oloyede, addressed technical officers and examination personnel during a virtual briefing. He emphasized the importance of professionalism, diligence, and commitment, noting that the success of the UTME largely depends on the performance of officials on the ground.
Oloyede also commended staff members and service providers for their roles in conducting the mock examination, which served as a preparatory phase for the main exercise. However, he acknowledged that some of the challenges encountered during the mock tests were linked to inadequate evaluation of examination centres.
To encourage excellence, the board has introduced incentive packages for teams that demonstrate outstanding performance. These incentives will recognize timely handling of examination materials, adherence to guidelines, and prompt submission of reports.
Strengthening Examination Integrity
Maintaining the credibility of the UTME remains a top priority for JAMB. The board has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward examination malpractice and has warned candidates against bringing prohibited items into examination halls.
To further enhance transparency and accountability, biometric verification systems and real-time monitoring technologies have been deployed across all centres. These measures are intended to prevent impersonation and other forms of malpractice.
Candidates whose biometric data cannot be successfully verified will not be allowed to sit for the examination at that time. Instead, they will be rescheduled to take the test at designated centres, ensuring that no eligible candidate is unfairly excluded while still maintaining strict security standards.
Early Observations from Examination Centres
Initial reports from monitored centres indicate a generally smooth start to the examination, despite minor delays in some locations. For instance, at a CBT centre in Jahi, Abuja, the first sessionscheduled for 8:30 a.m. commenced shortly after, at about 8:40 a.m.
Such slight delays are not uncommon in large-scale examinations and are often attributed to final verification procedures and logistical adjustments. Overall, the process appears to be progressing in an orderly manner.
The Significance of UTME in Nigeria’s Education System
The UTME plays a critical role in Nigeria’s higher education system, serving as the primary gateway for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Each year, millions of candidates compete for limited admission spaces, making the examination highly competitive and consequential.
As such, the integrity, efficiency, and transparency of the UTME are essential not only for candidates but also for the credibility of the nation’s educational institutions.
