2026 UTME Exams: Federal Capital Territory Computer-Based Test Venue Sees Trouble-Free Beginning

The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination kicked off on Thursday, with over 2.2 million candidates set to take part in the seven-day exercise, which will run from April 16 to April 22 across 966 accredited computer-based test centres nationwide.

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, the organiser of the examination, has scheduled multiple daily sessions to ensure smooth operations and accommodate the large number of candidates.

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A visit to the Rosa Mystica Academy CBT centre in Byazhin, Kubwa, within the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, revealed an orderly and hitch-free process during the morning session, with biometric verification officer Peter Idu overseeing the proceedings.

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According to Idu, the biometric verification process for the 8:30 a.m. session went smoothly, with 236 out of 250 scheduled candidates successfully screened and granted access to the examination hall, and he noted that there were no technical issues.

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Idu stated, “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.”

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Strict adherence to examination guidelines was observed, particularly with regards to the prohibition of unauthorised items, and candidates were briefed on the rules shortly before the commencement of the test.

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The centre's supervisor, Adeosun Olawola, an ad hoc staff member, observed that the exercise began on schedule and was generally well coordinated, with candidates arriving on time for the 8:30 a.m. session.

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Olawola noted, “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.”

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No cases of misconduct were observed, which Olawola attributed to early sensitisation and strict entry checks, and he added that any issues that may arise in subsequent sessions would be addressed promptly.

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Olawola said, “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.”

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The supervisor confirmed that all technical and environmental systems at the centre were functioning properly, following extensive preparations conducted a day earlier, including a dummy test and briefings with all officials.

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Olawola stated, “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.”

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A trial run involving candidates was also conducted to ensure system readiness, and JAMB had earlier advised candidates to print their examination slips ahead of time to avoid confusion.

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The UTME, one of Nigeria’s largest coordinated educational exercises, has been structured to minimise congestion and enhance efficiency, with candidates distributed across different dates and sessions.

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Ahead of the main examination, the board conducted a mock UTME to test its systems and personnel, resulting in the delisting of 23 CBT centres for failing to meet required standards and the removal of 11 technical officials due to poor performance.

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Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, had charged examination officials to demonstrate diligence and commitment during a virtual briefing, noting that the success of the exercise largely depends on their performance.

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Oloyede commended personnel who contributed to the success of the mock examination and urged them to sustain the momentum, while also warning that candidates who violate examination rules would face sanctions.

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The board has deployed enhanced technological measures, including biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems, to curb examination malpractice, and has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on infractions.

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To improve convenience, JAMB adjusted the arrival time for the first session from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., while maintaining the 8:30 a.m. start time to allow for thorough pre-examination procedures.

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The examination is expected to continue nationwide with subsequent sessions over the coming days, from April 16 to April 22, as the board monitors operations and addresses any emerging challenges.