Board deploys biometrics, delists 23 centres, police boost nationwide exam security.
By Gab Ateng | Abuja, Nigeria
More than 2.24 million candidates are participating in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which commenced nationwide on Thursday.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says enhanced security and monitoring systems have been deployed to ensure a credible and hitch-free exercise.
JAMB disclosed that a total of 2,243,816 candidates registered for the 2026 UTME, representing a 10.5 per cent increase from the 2.03 million candidates recorded in 2025.
The examination is being conducted across accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide, with candidates scheduled in four daily sessions to reduce congestion and improve operational efficiency.
To safeguard the integrity of the examination, the board has deployed biometric verification systems and real-time monitoring mechanisms across all centres.
JAMB stated that candidates whose biometric data cannot be verified will be rescheduled to sit for the examination at designated centres.
Candidates have been advised to print their examination slips from the official portal and arrive at least one hour before their scheduled time.
Revised Schedule, Expanded CBT Centres
Under the revised timetable, candidates are expected to arrive at 7:00 a.m. for the first session, 9:00 a.m. for the second, 11:00 a.m. for the third, and 2:00 p.m. for the fourth session.
JAMB also increased the number of CBT centres to about 1,000 nationwide to improve accessibility and logistics.
However, the board delisted 23 centres across several states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Delta, Edo, and Plateau, citing technical deficiencies observed during the mock UTME.
The board said the action was necessary to maintain operational standards.
A state-by-state breakdown shows Lagos recorded the highest number of candidates with 381,814, followed by Ogun (137,156), Oyo (122,662), Kaduna (103,498), and the Federal Capital Territory (102,961).
States with the lowest numbers include Borno (13,483) and Zamfara (14,861). Participation outside Nigeria remains limited.
Police Assure Security Nationwide
The Nigeria Police Force said it has deployed additional personnel, including patrol teams, perimeter surveillance units, and rapid response squads, to secure examination centres nationwide.
The police dismissed reports of insecurity at some centres as unverified, while acknowledging public concerns.
Authorities said they are working with other security agencies to monitor potential threats and ensure a safe environment for candidates.
Candidates and parents were urged to rely on official information channels and report suspicious activities.
JAMB also reiterated that all admissions must be processed through its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), warning that admissions outside the system are invalid.
JAMB Expands Centres, Delists 23 Over Technical Failures
Police Deploy Nationwide Security for Candidates
The UTME remains Nigeria’s primary gateway to tertiary education, making its credibility critical. Increased candidate numbers, combined with tighter monitoring and security measures, reflect growing demand and ongoing efforts to protect the integrity of the admissions process.
![Nigerian military prepares to cordon the area where a man was killed by suspected rebel fighters during an attack around the Polo area of Maiduguri, Nigeria, in 2019 [File: Afolabi Sotunde/Reuters]](https://a1news.com.ng/wp/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Nigeria-military-on-patrol.webp)
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