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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

2.2 million candidates sit 2026 UTME nationwide

From The Punch · (1h ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Over 2.2 million candidates are set to take the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) nationwide.
  • The examination, organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), will run from April 16 to April 22 across 966 accredited centers.
  • JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede emphasized professionalism, zero tolerance for malpractice, and the use of biometric verification and real-time monitoring to ensure exam credibility.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a crucial gateway for millions of Nigerian students seeking tertiary education. With over 2.2 million candidates registered, this year's examination is one of the largest coordinated assessments in the country, demanding extensive logistical planning and personnel deployment.

We have deployed our men since last week for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

— Abiodun OjelabiThe Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State confirming police deployment to JAMB CBT centers.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has stressed the importance of professionalism among examination officials and reiterated the board's unwavering commitment to exam integrity. The implementation of biometric verification and real-time monitoring systems signals a robust effort to curb malpractice and ensure a credible process for all participants. This focus on technology aims to streamline verification and maintain the examination's reputation.

The directive came from Abuja to provide security for the examination, and we have complied fully.

— Abiodun OjelabiThe Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State explaining the origin of the security deployment order.

The scale of the UTME underscores its significance in Nigeria's educational landscape. The examination's success hinges on the meticulous execution by staff and service providers, with JAMB acknowledging lessons learned from previous mock examinations to improve the current exercise. Incentive packages are also planned for teams demonstrating exceptional performance, fostering a culture of diligence and efficiency.

At any centre you visit, you will see our officers on ground. Deployment has been carried out across all centres.

— Abiodun OjelabiThe Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State assuring comprehensive security coverage.

As the examination unfolds across 966 centers nationwide, JAMB's zero-tolerance policy for malpractice and the warning against prohibited items serve as a clear message to candidates. The board's proactive deployment of security measures and monitoring systems reflects a determination to uphold the fairness and credibility of the UTME, a cornerstone of higher education access in Nigeria.

All our divisions have centres under their jurisdiction, and they have ensured adequate security coverage for the examination.

— Abiodun OjelabiThe Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State detailing the scope of security deployment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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