The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has officially begun across Nigeria, with over 2.2 million candidates taking part in the nationwide exercise. The examination is being conducted across 966 accredited computer-based test centres and is scheduled to run from April 16 to April 22.
Organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the UTME is structured into multiple daily sessions to accommodate the large number of candidates while ensuring smooth and efficient operations throughout the examination period.
A visit to Rosa Mystica Academy CBT centre in Byazhin, Kubwa, within the Bwari Area Council of Abuja, showed that the process was orderly and largely hitch-free during the morning session.
Speaking to journalists, biometric verification officer Peter Idu said the screening process went smoothly, with no technical challenges recorded. He noted that out of the 250 candidates scheduled for the 8:30 a.m. session, 236 were successfully verified and admitted into the examination hall.
“The biometric session for this morning’s exam went well. There was no issue. Out of 250 candidates scheduled for the 8:30 examination, 236 turned up and were screened successfully.”
Strict adherence to examination rules was also observed, particularly regarding the prohibition of unauthorised items. Candidates were briefed on the guidelines shortly before the exam commenced.
The centre supervisor and ad hoc staff member, Adeosun Olawola, confirmed that the session began on time and was well coordinated. He attributed the smooth conduct to early preparation and cooperation from candidates.
“This is the first session, and everything is in order. The candidates also tried to arrive on time. We started checking them by around 6:30 a.m., and as you can see, the exam started at 8:30 a.m. on the dot, which is the stipulated time to commence the exam,” he said.
Olawola also noted that there were no cases of misconduct during the session, crediting this to effective sensitisation and strict entry procedures.
“For now, there has been no unruly behaviour. Before they entered, we spoke to them and told them that if they had any gadgets, they should drop them, and they complied. Any gadgets whatsoever were dropped. If we observe anything in the next session, we will address it. For now, everything is in order,” he said.
He further confirmed that all equipment at the centre, including computers and cooling systems, were functioning properly. According to him, preparations had been thoroughly carried out the previous day, including a trial run to ensure system readiness.
“The cooling system, computers, and all other equipment are functioning properly. We were here yesterday for a dummy test and stayed until evening to put everything in order. We conducted briefings with all officials,” the supervisor said.
JAMB had earlier announced that it had completed all arrangements for the examination and advised candidates to print their examination slips ahead of time to avoid confusion.
The UTME remains one of Nigeria’s largest coordinated educational exercises, with candidates distributed across different dates and sessions to reduce congestion and maintain order.
Ahead of the main examination, the board conducted a mock test to assess readiness. Following the exercise, 23 CBT centres were delisted for failing to meet required standards, while 11 technical officials were removed due to poor performance.
Registrar of JAMB, Is-haq Oloyede, had earlier urged officials to demonstrate diligence and commitment, noting that the success of the examination depends largely on their performance.
To further safeguard the integrity of the process, JAMB has deployed advanced technology, including biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems, alongside a strict zero-tolerance policy on examination malpractice.
The board also adjusted the reporting time for candidates in the first session from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., while maintaining the official start time of 8:30 a.m. to allow for proper pre-examination procedures.
The examination is expected to continue nationwide in subsequent sessions over the coming days, as the board monitors progress and addresses any emerging challenges.