JAMB Announces Rescheduled UTME Dates for Candidates Affected by Technical Disruptions
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially confirmed the rescheduling of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates whose test sessions were interrupted by technical glitches at various Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers across Nigeria. This decisive action comes as the examination body moves to address widespread concerns following system failures that left numerous students stranded during the critical national examination.
Board Assures All Affected Candidates Will Sit for Examination
Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB's Public Communication Advisor, provided detailed reassurances during a monitoring exercise conducted by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education and TETFund in Abuja on Friday. He emphasized unequivocally that no registered candidate would be denied the opportunity to complete their examination due to circumstances beyond their control, particularly technical failures at accredited testing centers.
"If your centre fails today, you will be rescheduled again to take the exam," Dr. Benjamin stated firmly. "For any reason, even when you are rescheduled, and you are unable to sit the examination, you will be rescheduled again." This commitment underscores JAMB's determination to ensure fairness and accessibility for all 2.2 million candidates registered for the 2026 UTME across 966 accredited CBT centers nationwide.
Special Mop-Up Exercise Planned After Main Examination Window
JAMB has strategically integrated a comprehensive "mop-up" phase into its examination cycle specifically designed to accommodate candidates whose test sessions were aborted by server failures, power outages, or other unforeseen technical disruptions. This special exercise will be conducted after the main examination window scheduled from April 16 to April 25, 2026, ensuring that every affected candidate receives an opportunity to complete their assessment.
Candidates impacted by technical issues do not need to panic or undergo re-registration. The Board's sophisticated system automatically flags examination sessions that were not completed due to technical errors. However, affected individuals are strongly advised to regularly check the official JAMB portal to reprint their examination slips, which will contain updated information including:
- New examination date
- Revised time slot
- Potentially different venue assignment
Senate Committee Expresses Concern Over CBT Center Efficiency
During the monitoring tour, Senator Mohammed Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, acknowledged the significant distress caused to students who traveled considerable distances only to encounter non-functional systems at testing centers. He expressed deep concern over the operational challenges and assured the public that the National Assembly would collaborate closely with JAMB to enhance the functionality and efficiency of CBT centers in future examination cycles.
"There is no moral justification for leaving students stranded after they have made considerable efforts to reach examination centers," Senator Dandutse remarked, highlighting the need for improved technical infrastructure and contingency planning at testing facilities across the country.
JAMB's Proactive Measures and Quality Control Enforcement
Prior to the main 2026 UTME, JAMB demonstrated its commitment to quality assurance by delisting over 20 CBT centers that exhibited significant technical inadequacies during mock examinations conducted in March. This preemptive action reflects the Board's ongoing efforts to maintain examination integrity and minimize disruptions, though the scale of the exercise—involving millions of candidates—inevitably presents operational challenges.
Dr. Benjamin explained that the Board had anticipated potential technical issues given the massive scope of the examination process. While regrettable, such glitches represent an operational reality when coordinating a nationwide assessment of this magnitude involving complex technological infrastructure.
Critical Warning Against Examination Fraud and Scams
JAMB issued a stern warning to candidates regarding fraudulent schemes targeting vulnerable examination takers. The Board emphasized that its results are securely protected within the system, and any attempts to manipulate examination outcomes will lead to immediate result cancellation and potential legal prosecution.
Candidates are urgently advised to:
- Rely exclusively on official JAMB communication channels
- Consult only the Board's authentic website for examination updates
- Ignore fraudsters claiming to "fix" UTME scores or offer special rescheduling services
- Report any suspicious approaches to appropriate authorities
The Board's rescheduling initiative represents a comprehensive response to technical challenges that have impacted the 2026 UTME, ensuring that all registered candidates receive fair opportunities to complete their examinations despite initial disruptions at various testing centers nationwide.
