The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has screened 924 Computer Based Test centres nationwide ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, the board announced on Saturday. The screening is part of the preparations to ensure the suitability of centres for registration and examination.
JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed the figure during an interactive session with state Commissioners for Education in Lagos. He said the centres will undergo a final test before accreditation is confirmed for participation in the UTME.
"Prior to the commencement of the registration exercise, the board conducts an accreditation exercise to check the suitability of each CBT centre for the conduct of its examination. A rigorous accreditation exercise of the CBT centres has been carried out for the 2026 UTME," Oloyede said.
He noted that the accreditation team included chief external examiners such as vice chancellors, rectors and provosts, as well as technical advisers, JAMB state coordinators and technical officers from the board.
Oloyede explained that the meeting with commissioners was intended to strengthen collaboration between the board and state authorities, improve operational planning and ensure the registration and examination processes proceed without disruption.
"It is also to share JAMB's vision, policies and strategies for the 2026 exercise, including new measures to strengthen integrity and efficiency. The meeting is also to obtain constructive inputs from commissioners to refine plans and improve operational outcomes, recognising their critical role in grassroots engagement," he said. He further emphasised the board's commitment to curbing examination malpractice and other unwholesome practices.
Regarding the registration timeline, Oloyede said mock and UTME candidates would register first, followed by Direct Entry candidates. The sale of UTME ePINs began on January 19 and runs until February 26, while actual registration will take place from January 26 to February 28 at all approved CBT centres.
The close of mock selection is set for February 16, while DE application sales and ePIN vending will start on March 2 and close on April 25. Registration will also be available at JAMB offices nationwide.
On eligibility, Oloyede noted that only candidates who will be at least 16 years old by September 30 are eligible for the UTME. Underage candidates are considered only in rare cases and must undergo intensive evaluation to determine their eligibility for a waiver.
"Such a candidate must have scored at least 80 per cent in each of the UTME, A-level, Post UTME, SSCE and the exceptional candidate assessment. The UTME results of the underage candidates will be released only at the conclusion of the complete evaluation process," he said.
The board said the accreditation exercise and the structured registration process are aimed at ensuring the integrity of the UTME, enhancing efficiency at CBT centres and promoting compliance with national examination standards.
