The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, on Thursday commenced the nationwide conduct of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, with over 2.2 million candidates participating across 966 Computer-Based Test, CBT, centres.
Across all centres visited in Abuja and Nasarawa State, the examination began amid tight security and improved logistics, as part of efforts to strengthen the integrity of the process.
At Zinaria International School, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, Centre Supervisor Shehu Abdullahi said the centre was expecting 600 candidates across three sessions on the first day, noting that while the exercise was largely smooth, minor technical delays were recorded at the start.
“We were supposed to start by 8:00 a.m., not later than 8:15 a.m., but there were issues trying to populate the system. Though it is still within the stipulated time, we can manage,” he said.
Abdullahi identified biometric verification as a recurring challenge, saying “You see some students struggling with their fingerprints. But for now, only one candidate is having issues. Others have been verified and are inside.”
He, however, called for an upgrade of infrastructure at the centre, stressing the need for modern systems.
“The truth is, they need more and better systems. Some of the computers are old and take time to boot. If they can bring in newer systems and ensure everything is in place, it will save time and improve efficiency,” he added.
A candidate at the centre, Vwamkyes Pebang Edward, could not be verified due to fingerprint issues and was subsequently asked by JAMB officials to wait for a decision from the exam body for possible participation in the supplementary exam.
Security personnel were also visible at the premises, with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, monitoring compliance.
Speaking on the conduct of the exercise, Assistant Commandant General, Maxwell Ugafor, said the agency was satisfied with the conduct so far.
“Our primary responsibility is to ensure that candidates do not come in with prohibited materials. From what we have seen, everything is in order and our personnel are doing the right thing,” he said.
Ugafor commended JAMB’s steady improvements over the years, noting: “I have attended pre-JAMB meetings at the headquarters, and I have seen a progressive improvement. It has continued to get better.”
He added that security agencies were proactively assessing centres nationwide to identify and address potential gaps.
“We are making ourselves available to pick any flaws wherever they occur and provide first-hand reports for necessary action,” he said.
At Aduvie International School, Abuja, another CBT centre, the experience appeared smoother, with Centre Administrator Obo Sylvester Edom confirming that the examination commenced as scheduled.
“We start exactly as scheduled. As we speak now, all our candidates are writing their exams. So far, everything is smooth,” he said.
Edom attributed the seamless process to JAMB’s rigorous pre-examination checks.
“Before the exams, we conduct demos, sometimes two or three times, to ensure there are no technical glitches. That has helped us avoid issues,” he explained.
He also noted the effectiveness of anti-malpractice measures, stating that “There are many layers of security, including biometrics and identity verification. There has been no case of malpractice recorded here.”
Candidates who spoke to journalists largely praised the conduct of the examination, describing the process as efficient and stress-free.
One candidate, Sunday
Nnaneme, said: “Everything was successful. The thumbprint worked, the system was okay, and there was no network failure from beginning to the end. The exam was not stressful, I really enjoyed it.”
Another candidate, Anyaoha Emmanuel, echoed similar sentiments, saying “The system worked very well. The exam was good.”
On her part, a parent, Chika Anyaoha, who accompanied her son, Emmanuel, to the centre, said prior experience helped her prepare adequately.
“It is not something you rush. You plan for it. We have been here since morning, and even though there was a slight delay, we understand,” she said.
She, however, pointed to the need for improved infrastructure. “They can improve on the computers, but overall, the process is going well. My son has no complaints,” she added.