2026 UTME: Reforms lauded, but technical glitches and logistical woes persist

The recent 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has once again highlighted the perennial challenges facing Nigeria's education sector, despite some commendable reforms. While the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) deserves credit for introducing measures like enhanced biometric verification and a more sensible reporting time for candidates, these advancements are overshadowed by recurring technical and logistical nightmares that plague the Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers across the nation. The experience of candidates and educators paints a picture of inconsistency, where smooth operations in some centers starkly contrast with outright failures in others.

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Technical failures were still everywhere. In Abuja, one centre couldn’t even run exams simply because the mouse and keyboards were broken.

Stakeholders like Ebenezer Mbamalu, founder of Meclones College, Lagos, acknowledge the progress. The improved biometric system is a significant step towards combating impersonation, a persistent issue in our examinations. The adjustment of reporting times from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. is a thoughtful, safety-conscious reform, recognizing the need to protect young students traveling in the dark. Support for candidates with disabilities has also seen improvement. These are positive developments that signal JAMB's intent to modernize the examination process.

However, the persistent technical and infrastructural failures are deeply concerning. Reports of broken mice and keyboards, unstable power supply, and unreliable internet connectivity at various centers suggest a systemic issue that JAMB has yet to fully address. This uneven playing field means that a candidate's performance can be unfairly impacted by factors beyond their control. The lack of a functional complaint system further exacerbates the problem, leaving students feeling unheard and unaccountable for the issues they face during the examination. This absence of a robust feedback mechanism undermines the integrity of the entire process.

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There is no proper complaint unit. Students who try to report issues find no working portal, no responsive phone line and no physical desk to visit. Their complaints disappear.

From a Nigerian perspective, the UTME is more than just an exam; it's a critical gateway to higher education and future opportunities. The inconsistencies and failures not only cause immense stress and anxiety for millions of young Nigerians but also raise questions about the fairness and credibility of our educational system. While JAMB's reforms are noted, the urgent need for comprehensive oversight, rigorous inspection of centers, and a truly responsive complaint system cannot be overstated. Without addressing these fundamental infrastructural and logistical challenges, the promise of improved standards will remain elusive, and the dreams of countless aspiring students will continue to be jeopardized.

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Some centres ran smoothly. Others had long delays that affected performance unfairly.