The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has adjusted the arrival time for candidates scheduled for the first session of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, moving it from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.

The board announced the change via its official X handle on Monday, clarifying that the examination will still commence at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 10:30 a.m. as previously scheduled. In its notice, JAMB stated, "Attention 2026 UTME Candidates: This is to notify you of a slight adjustment to the arrival scheduled time, particularly for the first session, which is now 7:00 am as against the earlier published 6:30 am, while the scheduled start time for the session is now 8:30 am and end time 10:30 am."

Candidates were also informed that they are not required to reprint their examination slips as a result of the adjustment. The board added that the full revised timetable covers four daily sessions running from Monday to Friday, with updated timings designed to ensure smoother operations across Computer Based Test centres nationwide.

The adjustment addresses concerns raised by candidates and parents about the difficulties of very early morning travel, including safety risks on roads before dawn and logistical challenges for candidates travelling from distant locations.

The 2026 UTME is scheduled to hold from Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, April 25, 2026. Candidates are encouraged to review their session times on their examination slips and plan their travel accordingly to arrive at their designated centres before the new stipulated time.