UTME begins nationwide under tight security as system holds steady

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The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination commenced nationwide on Thursday, with over 2.2 million candidates sitting the exercise across 966 accredited Computer-Based Test centres under requisite security arrangements and largely stable operational systems, apart from isolated disruptions in some locations.

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The examination, which runs from April 16 to April 22, is to be conducted in multiple daily sessions, commencing from 8.30 am to 6:00 pm.

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In Lagos, candidates had to face heavy rainfall to meet the scheduled initial arrival time of 7 am.

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From early morning hours, men of the NSCDC were particularly sighted at several CBT centres across the country, maintaining order and ensuring strict compliance with examination guidelines, particularly the restriction of unauthorised items.

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At the Farydhak Concept CBT Centre on Tokunbo Street, Lagos Island, candidates were seen arriving early despite the downpour, as security operatives of the Civil Defence Corps conducted biometric checks and physical screening before entry into the examination hall.

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In Maiduguri, security operatives subjected candidates to thorough screening before granting access to CBT centres.

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JAMB officials were also on the ground early, assisting candidates and setting up computer systems ahead of the examination to prevent technical disruptions.

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There were initial challenges at some centres, triggering disagreements between CBT operators and JAMB officials, with both sides trading blame over the source of the disruptions.

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Some operators attributed the glitches to problems with the examination platform and delayed question uploads, while JAMB officials insisted the issues were largely due to inadequate infrastructure and poor maintenance of equipment at some centres.

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In some affected centres, officials explained that discrepancies in system performance led to the escalation and rescheduling of affected sessions to ensure fairness. One official noted:

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“There’s an issue; they have discrepancies. While some systems were working, others were not working. And so, the technical job person had to escalate. Some systems have glitches while others were working… they’ve been asked to reschedule the whole process… so nobody’s chances are compromised.”

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The official added that the decision was taken to ensure fairness and to prevent any candidate from being disadvantaged.

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In another development, JAMB addressed an incident involving alleged hijab removal at a CBT centre in Ibadan, attributing it to an overzealous ad hoc staff member and stressing that it did not reflect official policy.

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The board said it promptly intervened and issued immediate instructions that no candidate wearing a hijab should be asked to remove or alter it.

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The CBT Centres Proprietors Association of Nigeria, led by Austin Ohaekelem, noted that the decision of JAMB to allow CBT Centres the option to utilise the last autobot software rather than a newly introduced software, few days to the exam, also prevented glitches.

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However, while many centres recorded smooth operations, some technical inconsistencies were reported in isolated locations.

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At the 23 Technology Limited, NAF Valley Estate CBT Centre, in Abuja, accreditation began at about 6:30 a.m. and lasted for two hours before the 8:30 a.m. examination start time.

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Out of 250 candidates scheduled for the first session, 223 arrived on time and were successfully screened.

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However, one candidate was disqualified during biometric verification and was not allowed into the examination hall.

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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, showed an orderly and hitch-free process during the morning session.

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Biometric verification officer Peter Idu said the exercise proceeded smoothly without technical issues.

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“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,” he said.

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The centre supervisor, Adeosun Olawola, also confirmed that the exercise began on schedule and was well coordinated, adding that candidates complied fully with examination rules.

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“This is the first session, and everything is in order. 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,” he said.

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He added that no cases of misconduct were recorded and that all technical systems at the centre were functioning properly following earlier preparations and a dummy test conducted the previous day.

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JAMB had earlier announced that all arrangements for the examination had been concluded, urging candidates to print their examination slips ahead of time to avoid delays.

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The Board also reiterated the deployment of enhanced technological safeguards, including biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems, to curb malpractice and ensure credibility.

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Ahead of the main examination, JAMB conducted a mock UTME, after which 23 CBT centres were delisted for failing to meet operational standards, while 11 technical officials were removed for poor performance.

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In the Federal Capital Territory, the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, assured candidates and stakeholders of adequate security throughout the examination period.

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During inspection visits to CBT centres, he said: “During the inspection, the CP evaluated security arrangements put in place to protect candidates, officials, and examination facilities… We assure adequate security presence throughout the examination period.”

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He warned that any attempt to disrupt the process would be met with decisive action, adding that officers had been directed to maintain professionalism while ensuring strict screening at all centres.

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Similarly, in Gombe State, the NSCDC intensified security deployments across CBT centres, including the Educational Resource Centre in Tashan Dukku, Gombe State University ICT Centre, El-Lawanti ICT Centre, Musasa ICT Centre, and others.

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The State Commandant, Jibrin Idris, who led monitoring operations, reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to the credibility of the exercise.

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“NSCDC Gombe State Command is fully mobilised to support JAMB… We will not tolerate any act capable of undermining the exercise,” he said.

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He added that officers had been directed to ensure strict screening, professionalism, and vigilance throughout the exercise.

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In Kogi State, the police command also deployed personnel, operational assets, and intelligence resources to all CBT centres, with directives to maintain order and ensure a hitch-free examination.

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The command warned that any form of malpractice or disruption would be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law, while urging candidates and parents to cooperate with security operatives.

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It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting candidates’ religious rights and ensuring strict adherence to approved screening procedures across centres.

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The examination is expected to continue nationwide over the coming days as monitoring, security deployment, and technical supervision are expected to remain in place.

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Meanwhile, in Ondo State, the Association of Tutorial School Operators has reiterated its commitment to ethical learning and the fight against examination malpractice, as students sit this year’s UTME.

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The governor-elect of the association, Mr Ologun Samuel, spoke during the Ondo State leg of the “Most Brilliant Student Competition” held at Oyemekun Grammar School, Akure.

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He said the initiative was designed to build students’ confidence and discourage malpractice.

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“This is a programme called the Most Brilliant Student Competition. The competition focuses on building students’ confidence and readiness for the exam,” he said.

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He added that the initiative demonstrates the association’s commitment to eradicating examination malpractice.

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“We prepare students thoroughly so that by the time they get into the examination hall, they will not feel the need to engage in any form of malpractice. Instead, they will be confident to come out with excellent results.”

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He further noted that the programme, which operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Education in Ondo State, rewards outstanding students with awards and cash prizes.

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The National Public Relations Officer of ATSO, Mr Michael Williams, said the competition is a nationwide initiative also taking place in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo and Osun States, aimed at motivating students and rewarding excellence.

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The Chairman of Zone A, Mufutau Joseph, noted that the initiative had continued to yield positive results, with some past participants scoring above 300 in JAMB examinations.

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