JAMB Begins 2026 UTME Nationwide as Thousands Sit for First Session
- JAMB has commenced the 2026 UTME nationwide with candidates beginning examinations across CBT centres
- At a NAF Valley Estate centre, most registered candidates have participated as one was not verified successfully
- Examination sessions have proceeded in batches with smooth accreditation and staggered scheduling reported at the centre
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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has begun the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across the country.
Source: Twitter
On Thursday, April 16, at the 23 Technology Limited CBT Centre in NAF Valley Estate, 250 candidates were scheduled for the first session, but 223 showed up.
Accreditation started early at about 6:30 a.m. and ran for two hours before the exam proper, which began at 8:30 a.m. The process was reported to be smooth and well organised.
However, during verification, as disclosed by NTA News, only one candidate could not be properly identified and was not allowed to sit for the exam.
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The centre is handling three sessions in total for the day, with about 750 candidates expected overall.
The first session ended around 10:30 a.m., while preparations and verification for the next session are already underway.
JAMB revises UTME 2026 exam schedule
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that JAMB revised the 2026 UTME timetable days before the nationwide exam. The body introduced adjustments to daily session schedules across accredited CBT centres.
The board maintained four sessions from Monday to Thursday, with exams starting 8:30am, 11:00am, 1:30pm, and 4:00pm, alongside earlier reporting times to ensure smooth candidate movement and coordination.
Friday’s schedule includes a reserved third session, while others remain unchanged. This change has prompted candidates to confirm their exam details so as to adhere strictly to assigned times for a seamless nationwide examination process.
UTME 2026: Safety tips for candidates travelling
Previously, Legit.ng reported that thousands of UTME 2026 candidates travelling nationwide have been advised to prioritise safety, as road journeys remain unpredictable ahead of the examination period.
Candidates are encouraged to seek local advice, avoid night travel, stay informed, and remain vigilant, while securing valuables, choosing reputable transport providers, and sharing travel plans with trusted contacts for added safety.
Source: UGC
They are also urged to obey security personnel, report suspicious activities, and exercise caution throughout their journeys to minimise risks and arrive at their examination centres safely and prepared.
UTME 2026: Police assure candidates’ safety nationwide
Legit.ng, in another story, disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force dismissed rumours of insecurity at UTME 2026 centres. It assured candidates and parents that no credible threats were identified nationwide.
The authorities noted it has deployed additional personnel, strengthened surveillance, and coordinated with other security agencies. It also disclosed that it is maintaining visible and covert operations, patrols, and rapid response units to safeguard examination venues across the country.
The police further urged the public to ignore unverified social media reports, rely on official updates, arrive early, follow guidelines, and report suspicious activities.
Source: Legit.ng
