The registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Is-haq Oloyede, has charged examination officials to demonstrate maximum commitment and professionalism as the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) begins nationwide today.

Oloyede gave the directive during a final virtual briefing for technical officers, amid high expectations from parents, candidates, and stakeholders for the board to ensure the exercise is smooth and seamless across the nation.

Emphasising the key role of examination officials, he stressed that the success of the UTME largely depends on the dedication and efficiency of personnel deployed for the exercise.

The registrar noted that the smooth conduct of the recently concluded mock UTME was largely due to the diligence of officials, urging them to sustain and improve on that performance during the main examination.

He, however, expressed concern over lapses recorded in some centres, attributing them to inadequate assessment by certain technical officers before, during, and after the mock examination. As a result, he disclosed that 11 officials had been delisted for poor performance, adding that further sanctions may follow pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.

To encourage excellence, Oloyede announced that outstanding teams would be rewarded based on key performance indicators such as timely upload and download of examination materials, proper documentation, and prompt submission of reports.

He stressed that the incentive scheme is designed to motivate personnel and reinforce their critical role in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s examination system.

The registrar also reiterated the board’s commitment to deploying advanced technology to curb examination malpractice, warning officials to remain vigilant against all forms of infractions.

On candidates flagged for verification issues, he explained that such individuals would be rescheduled to sit their examinations at designated centres approved by the board.

Speaking at the briefing, the Director of Information Technology Services, Mrs Fumilola Usman, called for effective collaboration among all categories of officials, noting that teamwork and prompt communication are essential for a hitch-free exercise.

She urged personnel to report any challenges through designated channels for immediate resolution, warning that negligence would not be tolerated.

JAMB confirmed that all arrangements were finalised for the conduct of the 2026 UTME, between April 16 and April 25 across the country.

No fewer than 2.2 million candidates are set to participate in the examination across 966 accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.

The board had earlier delisted 23 centres over poor performance during the mock exercise.

Candidates were advised to print their examination slips from the JAMB portal, as the document contains critical details, including examination date, time, and venue, necessary for participation and biometric verification.

In response to concerns about early movement, JAMB adjusted the arrival time for the first session to 7:00 a.m., with the examination scheduled to commence at 8:30 a.m. The examination will run in four sessions daily from Monday to Saturday.

The Board also assured that adequate provisions have been made for candidates living with disabilities through its Equal Opportunity Group, led by former Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Professor Peter Okebukola.

JAMB further warned candidates to refrain from bringing prohibited items into examination halls, stressing that strict penalties would be applied in line with existing laws against examination malpractice.

With enhanced technology, strengthened supervision, and strict compliance measures in place, the Board expressed confidence in delivering a credible and seamless 2026 UTME exercise.
By Clement Idoko
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