In a move that will impact thousands of students, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has kicked off a rigorous inspection process for the upcoming 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). But here's the catch: only 848 computer-based test (CBT) centres are in the running for accreditation!
On December 15, 2025, JAMB Registrar Is-haq Oloyede gathered key personnel, including chief external examiners, technical advisors, and various stakeholders, to initiate the accreditation process. The meeting set the tone for a thorough and security-conscious approach to selecting the best exam centres.
Oloyede's message was clear: the accreditation team must be meticulous and aware of the weight of their decisions. He emphasized the importance of their role in ensuring the integrity of the UTME. But here's where it gets controversial—Oloyede urged them to be selective, only accrediting centres that meet the board's high standards.
The registrar also addressed security concerns, advising participants to minimize risks and remain vigilant. This is a crucial aspect, as the safety of students and staff is paramount. Damilola Bamiro, the IT consultant, revealed that only centres that passed an automated test would be eligible for physical inspection, adding an extra layer of scrutiny.
The inspection criteria are extensive, covering CCTV systems, holding rooms, laptop functionality, and network cable accessibility. Each centre must meet these requirements to ensure a smooth and secure examination process.
Auwal Ahmed Bello, representing the director of IT services, provided insights into the centre management system, further emphasizing the technical aspects of the inspection. The chief external examiners and technical advisors pledged their dedication to the success of this critical endeavour.
As JAMB continues its inspection, the question arises: will the 848 centres be sufficient to accommodate all UTME candidates? And what happens to centres that fall short of the strict criteria? The process is sure to spark discussions, and we invite you to share your thoughts on this crucial step in the UTME journey.
