The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has suspended the selection of Computer-Based Test (CBT) examination towns for candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Ekiti State.
JAMB announced the decision weeks before the nationwide UTME scheduled for April 16 to April 25, 2026.
Dr Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Public Affairs Director, said the Board introduced the temporary measure to reorganise examination town structures within the state.
Why JAMB Paused CBT Town Selection
JAMB clarified that the suspension does not cancel registration. Instead, it allows officials to correct inconsistencies discovered in Ekiti’s town configuration.
According to the Board, registration had already started when it identified structural issues affecting centre allocation. Therefore, it acted quickly to prevent further complications.
Officials said the review will help candidates sit the UTME closer to their homes. This adjustment should reduce travel costs, stress and long-distance movement on exam day.
Registration Continues Despite Suspension
While JAMB reviews the town structure, candidates in Ekiti cannot select any CBT town within the state.
However, the Board confirmed that UTME registration remains open nationwide. Affected candidates can still complete other parts of their registration process.
JAMB also apologised for the inconvenience and assured students that it will resolve the issue soon.
Background: Complaints from 2025 UTME
The decision follows complaints during the 2025 UTME exercise. Many candidates reported that the system posted them to centres far from their chosen towns.
Some students said they travelled for hours or crossed state lines to sit for the exam. As a result, they incurred extra transport and accommodation costs.
At the time, JAMB denied posting candidates outside their selected towns. The Board insisted its system works within approved locations and asked critics to present verified evidence.
848 Approved CBT Centres for 2026
As part of preparations for the 2026 UTME, JAMB has approved 848 CBT centres across Nigeria.
Each centre must meet strict technical and operational standards. In addition, JAMB will monitor all registration centres live from its headquarters in Abuja.
Under the policy known as “No Vision, No Registration, No UTME,” any centre that fails real-time monitoring risks losing its registration approval. The Board may also cancel registrations and withhold payments where necessary.
JAMB says this policy will prevent data manipulation and irregularities recorded in previous exercises.
Important Reminder for Candidates
Prospective candidates should complete their JAMB profiles early. They must also ensure their National Identification Number (NIN) details remain accurate before starting registration.
Early preparation, JAMB says, will help avoid delays and technical issues.
For more updates on UTME, WAEC, NECO and Nigeria’s education sector, visit AfriGlobal News – Education.
Official guidelines and updates from the examination body are available on the JAMB website.
