For over 2.2 million candidates, the journey into higher education officially began this week under tight security, early morning accreditation, and a few technical setbacks in some centres.
The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) commenced nationwide on Thursday across 966 accredited Computer-Based Test centres.
The examination, which will run from April 16 to April 22, is being conducted in multiple daily sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
In Lagos, candidates had to contend with heavy rainfall as they made their way to centres to meet the scheduled 7 a.m. arrival time.
Despite the downpour, candidates arrived early at centres such as the Farydhak Concept CBT Centre on Lagos Island, where officials carried out biometric verification and physical screening before allowing entry.
Across the country, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were stationed at examination centres to maintain order and enforce compliance with guidelines, particularly the restriction of unauthorised items.
In Maiduguri and other centres, candidates also underwent strict security checks before being admitted into the halls.
JAMB officials were on the ground early at several centres, helping candidates through accreditation and preparing systems to minimise disruptions.
Despite these efforts, technical issues were reported in some locations.
The glitches led to disagreements between some CBT operators and JAMB officials, with operators blaming delayed question uploads and platform issues, while JAMB attributed the problems to poor infrastructure and inadequate equipment maintenance.
At some centres, affected sessions were rescheduled to ensure no candidate was unfairly disadvantaged.
“There’s an issue; they have discrepancies. While some systems were working, others were not working… they’ve been asked to reschedule the whole process so nobody’s chances are compromised,” one official said.
JAMB also responded to an incident in Ibadan involving the alleged removal of a candidate’s hijab.
The board said the action was taken by an overzealous ad hoc staff member and did not reflect official policy, adding that immediate directives had been issued to ensure that no candidate wearing a hijab would be asked to remove or alter it.
While isolated glitches were recorded, several centres reported smooth operations.
At the 23 Technology Limited CBT Centre in NAF Valley Estate, Abuja, accreditation began at 6:30 a.m. and 223 out of 250 candidates were successfully screened for the first session
One candidate, however, was disqualified during biometric verification.
At Rosa Mystica Academy CBT Centre in Kubwa, the process was also described as hitch-free.
“The biometric session for this morning’s exam went well. There was no issue,” biometric verification officer Peter Idu said, adding that 236 out of 250 candidates were screened successfully.
Centre supervisor Adeosun Olawola confirmed that the examination started on schedule and that all systems functioned properly after earlier preparations and a mock test.
JAMB had earlier stated that all arrangements for the examination had been concluded, urging candidates to print their examination slips ahead of time.
The board also announced the deployment of enhanced technological safeguards, including biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems, to curb malpractice and ensure credibility.
Ahead of the examination, JAMB conducted a mock UTME and delisted 23 CBT centres that failed to meet operational standards, while 11 technical officials were removed for poor performance.
Security agencies also stepped up monitoring across states.
In the Federal Capital Territory, Commissioner of Police Ahmed Sanusi assured candidates of adequate protection throughout the examination period and warned that any attempt to disrupt the process would be met with decisive action.
Similar deployments were recorded in Gombe and Kogi States, where security officials reiterated their commitment to ensuring a hitch-free exercise and preventing malpractice.
Meanwhile, the Association of Tutorial School Operators in Ondo State reiterated its commitment to promoting ethical learning as candidates sat for the examination.
Speaking during the Ondo State leg of the “Most Brilliant Student Competition,” the association’s governor-elect, Mr Ologun Samuel, said the initiative was designed to build students’ confidence and discourage examination malpractice.
“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,” he said.
The competition, which rewards outstanding students with prizes, is also being held in Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, and Osun States.
As the nationwide examination continues in the coming days, JAMB, security agencies, and centre operators are expected to sustain close monitoring to ensure the process remains credible and fair for all candidates.
Credit: ThePunch
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