The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced that it will deploy more than 1,000 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for the upcoming 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) — an unprecedented scale in the history of the examination body. With nationwide accreditation now complete, JAMB has assured Nigerians that the 2026 UTME will set new standards of transparency, security and technological sophistication.
Unprecedented CBT Centre Expansion Across Nigeria
JAMB wrapped up the nationwide CBT centre accreditation exercise in mid-December 2025, having evaluated 848 centres across the country. These centres are part of a broader network that will see over 1,000 CBT facilities officially deployed for the main 2026 UTME. According to the Board, this expansion is the largest ever in its history, aimed at increasing accessibility and strengthening examination delivery.
The accreditation process, which began on December 15, 2025, involved rigorous technology-driven assessments and compliance checks. Only centres that met JAMB’s stringent standards for security, infrastructure, and digital readiness were approved for use in the national examination.
Credibility and Security at the Forefront
Addressing education stakeholders during the final phase of accreditation, JAMB Registrar Professor Is-haq Oloyede emphasised that upholding the integrity of the UTME is paramount. He reiterated that every accredited centre met exhaustive criteria before being approved — signalling a commitment to excellence and fairness in the administration of the exam.
Key security and operational standards introduced for accredited centres include:
- Advanced biometric verification systems to validate candidate identity
- Robust CCTV surveillance to monitor examination conduct in real time
- Secure network architecture and data protection protocols
- Reliable power backup systems to ensure seamless exam delivery
These measures are designed to enhance trust and credibility in the UTME process, curbing malpractice while promoting a level playing field for all candidates.
Tech-Driven Innovations Across the Examination Value Chain
JAMB emphasised that the 2026 UTME would be the most technologically advanced in its history. This commitment extends beyond the physical accreditation of centres to include innovations in:
- Registration systems that improve candidate profiling and data accuracy
- Real-time monitoring tools for exam administration and compliance
- Enhanced IT infrastructure to support seamless test navigation and results processing
The Board’s IT Consultant highlighted that only centres that successfully passed the mandatory automated system readiness tests were considered for final approval, underlining the seriousness of technological preparedness.
Assurance to Candidates, Parents, and Stakeholders
With deployment plans now set, JAMB has assured candidates, parents, and the general public that the 2026 UTME will be conducted in a safe, secure, and technologically fortified environment. The Board’s leadership affirmed that the scale of accredited centres, combined with robust innovations, positions the upcoming exam as one of the best-executed in JAMB’s history.
This announcement comes amid larger discussions in Nigeria’s education sector about modernising examination systems and reducing opportunities for malpractice. JAMB’s adoption and expansion of the CBT format reflect a broader shift toward digital assessments — a trend that will also influence other national exams in the coming years.
The Significance of CBT Expansion for Nigeria’s Educational Landscape
The deployment of over 1,000 CBT centres across Nigeria for the 2026 UTME represents more than just a logistical milestone — it signifies:
- A major step toward more transparent and credible examinations
- Increased access to standardised assessment tools for candidates nationwide
- Enhanced confidence among universities, students, and parents in the entrance process
- A benchmark for future digital transformations in national examinations
By leveraging modern technology and stringent accreditation, JAMB aims to minimise malpractice, ensure consistent candidate experience, and uphold the overall integrity of the UTME as the gateway to tertiary education in Nigeria.
