Impending UTME: Concerns mount over preparedness ahead of 2026 JAMB examination

By CBT- CPAN, National Executives

Fresh concerns have emerged over the preparedness of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with stakeholders warning of a potential repeat of the disruptions that marred the 2025 exercise.

 

The worries follow a series of developments, including alleged late deployment of examination software, administrative decisions affecting Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, and unresolved financial issues.

 

In 2025, thousands of candidates were forced to retake the UTME due to technical glitches and inconsistencies, raising expectations that stronger safeguards would be implemented this year.

 

However, reports indicate that the designated examination browser for the 2026 UTME was released on April 12—just four days before the exam scheduled for April 16—sparking questions about system readiness.

 

Stakeholders queried the effectiveness of the mock examination conducted earlier, noting that it did not reportedly utilise the final software.

 

“What was the purpose of the mock exam if it did not test the actual system to be used?” one stakeholder queried, raising concerns about last-minute adjustments.

 

Further concerns were raised over a meeting reportedly held on April 11 between JAMB officials and over 70 CBT centres, after which some centres were delisted.

 

Critics questioned the basis for such decisions, alleging that state coordinators without sufficient technical expertise may have influenced the process.

 

“How can non-technical officials fairly assess CBT readiness?” another stakeholder asked, warning that arbitrary decisions could affect the integrity of the examination process.

 

Financial disputes have also surfaced, with reports that over 140 CBT centres are yet to be paid for registration services, amid the enforcement of a “No View, No Payment” policy.

 

Operators argue that the policy raises contradictions about the validity of registrations and could discourage participation, thereby weakening operational capacity.

 

“Financial uncertainty at this stage can only reduce the willingness of centres to fully commit resources,” a CBT operator said.

 

Concerns over alleged inconsistencies in the treatment of centres have further heightened tensions, with some reportedly reassured while others were delisted under similar circumstances.

 

A CBT operator cited an instance in Lagos where a centre was allegedly delisted after expressing uncertainty about participation, describing the move as “punitive and inconsistent.”

 

Rising operational costs, particularly the cost of diesel required to power examination facilities, have also been flagged, with stakeholders noting a lack of structured engagement between JAMB and operators.

 

Despite the concerns, JAMB has yet to issue a detailed response addressing the specific allegations.

 

Stakeholders insist that as the body responsible for coordinating the UTME, the board must take full responsibility for ensuring a smooth process.

 

“With the experience of 2025, there should be no room for avoidable errors,” a stakeholder said.

 

The 2026 UTME is scheduled to commence nationwide on April 16, amid calls for urgent measures to prevent disruptions and restore public confidence in the examination system.