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Posted By Udokabestluv On May 5th, 2026

There is renewed hope for candidates affected by recent technical disruptions during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has confirmed plans to organise make-up examinations.

The development follows complaints from some candidates who were unable to complete or properly sit for their examinations due to system failures at accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.

The incident caused significant anxiety among candidates and parents, many of whom called for immediate clarification on when a rescheduled examination would take place.

Some affected candidates had asked when JAMB would reschedule those impacted by the technical challenges experienced at some centres.

The disruptions reportedly affected the smooth conduct of examinations in isolated locations, raising concerns about fairness and equal opportunity in the assessment process.

Responding to these concerns, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, assured that arrangements were underway to address the situation comprehensively.

He explained that the Board was aware of the distress caused and was working to ensure that all affected candidates were given another opportunity to sit for the examination under fair and stable conditions.

Dr Benjamin disclosed that the make-up examination is likely to hold in the second week of May, adding that the exact date would be officially communicated soon.

He emphasised that the decision reflects JAMB’s commitment to maintaining credibility, transparency, and fairness in the conduct of its examinations.

According to the Board, the arrangement for a make-up examination is part of broader efforts to ensure that no candidate is disadvantaged due to technical or operational challenges beyond their control.

JAMB reiterated that its assessment system is designed to provide equal opportunity for all candidates, regardless of location or circumstance, and that every effort is being made to uphold that principle.

The Board further reassured candidates that no affected student would be left behind.

It stated that technical teams were reviewing the systems used in CBT centres to identify the root causes of the disruptions and strengthen infrastructure to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

This includes improving server stability, monitoring centre readiness, and ensuring real-time technical support during examinations.

As candidates await the official schedule for the make-up examination, the announcement has brought a measure of relief.

It would be recalled that JAMB has fixed 11 May 2026 for its annual policy meeting on admissions, where critical decisions, including the minimum cut-off marks for the 2026 admission exercise, will be determined.

The high-level meeting, scheduled to hold in Abuja, will bring together key stakeholders across the tertiary education sector to deliberate on admission guidelines and set the tone for the 2026/2027 academic session.

Dr Benjamin stated that the meeting will take place at the Body of Benchers Auditorium, located at Plot 688, Institute and Research District, Federal Capital City Phase III, Jabi, Abuja.

He described the policy meeting as a major event in the education calendar, where stakeholders collectively shape the direction of tertiary admissions in Nigeria.

He added that the 2026 policy meeting promises to be particularly significant, as key policy directions will be unveiled by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa.

According to him, the Board’s annual policy meeting on admissions is a crucial platform where stakeholders agree on minimum acceptable UTME scores, admission procedures, and regulatory guidelines for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The meeting is also expected to formally set the tone for the 2026/2027 admission exercise, while reinforcing compliance with approved standards.

JAMB has consistently used the forum to remind institutions of the need to adhere strictly to admission quotas, merit principles, and procedural transparency.

Participants expected at the 2026 policy meeting include Vice-Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, Registrars, and Heads of Admissions from tertiary institutions across the country.

Also in attendance will be regulatory agencies such as the National Universities Commission (NUC), the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), among others.

Dr Benjamin further noted that goodwill messages are expected from key stakeholders including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and other critical agencies involved in Nigeria’s education and youth development ecosystem.

These contributions, he said, help to align admission policies with broader national development goals.

He also revealed that the 6th edition of the National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit Awards (NATAP-M) will hold alongside the policy meeting.

The awards are designed to recognise institutions that demonstrate strict adherence to admission guidelines, transparency in processes, and excellence in institutional management of admissions.

Over the years, the initiative has encouraged greater discipline and accountability within the tertiary education system.

The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), organised by JAMB, began on Thursday, 16 April 2026, following the completion of registration and mock examination exercises earlier in the year.

The examination was conducted across approved Computer-Based Test centres nationwide, with candidates assigned to carefully scheduled sessions to ensure smooth coordination and reduce system congestion.

The examination period lasted for about ten days and officially ended on Saturday, 25 April 2026. During this period, candidates across Nigeria sat for papers in subjects relevant to their chosen courses of study.

JAMB implemented a staggered timetable system, which allowed different sets of candidates to write their examinations at designated times, thereby improving efficiency and reducing overcrowding at centres.

Following the conclusion of the UTME, JAMB began the prompt release of results in phases.

Candidates received their scores shortly after completing their examinations, a process made possible by the Board’s computer-based system, which enables fast marking, automated scoring, and digital verification.

After the UTME exercise, attention shifted to post-examination processes, particularly the post-UTME screenings conducted by various tertiary institutions.

These screenings are typically scheduled between July and October, depending on institutional calendars, and form an important component of the admission process alongside UTME scores.

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