UTME 2026: Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Adjusts Exam Time in Jos Over Security Concerns

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has revised the commencement time for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Jos due to security concerns arising from the ongoing curfew in the area.
The adjustment applies to candidates scheduled to take the examination from April 16 to April 25.

Candidates are required to adhere strictly to the new arrival times for each CBT session, as the board has issued an updated timetable ahead of the examination week.
Jos security issues prompt timetable review
Under the new arrangement, the examination in Jos will now begin at 9:00am instead of the earlier 8:30am.
Officials explained that the change was introduced to prevent candidates from moving during restricted hours and to reduce exposure to risks associated with early morning movement.
JAMB spokesperson, Benjamin Fabian, announced the adjustment during a briefing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, according to Daily Trust.
He noted that the board consulted key stakeholders in Plateau State before making the decision.
“The adjustment was necessary to ensure candidates do not leave their homes during curfew hours,” he said.
Fabian added that the board engaged with security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, as well as religious leaders in Jos to ensure smooth coordination of the examination.
“We made the adjustment so candidates don’t come out too early. The police have made adequate preparations, and we are confident the examination will proceed smoothly,” he stated.
Stakeholders engage over safety measures
The board also confirmed that consultations are ongoing with relevant authorities regarding a possible review of the curfew to ease movement during the examination period.
Officials emphasised that the priority is to ensure candidates are not disadvantaged by the restrictions while maintaining public safety.
The Nigeria Police Force assured residents and candidates that sufficient security personnel have been deployed across examination centres in the state.
Security operatives have been conducting patrols and checks around venues to guarantee safety. Police officers have also been stationed at centres nationwide ahead of the 2026 UTME.
Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, disclosed that additional personnel had been deployed to strategic locations to prevent any security breaches during the exercise.
“Extra security has been put in place, both overtly and covertly, to prevent any untoward incidents,” he said.
He advised candidates to remain calm, comply with official instructions, and avoid spreading unverified information that could trigger panic.
Authorities also dismissed reports suggesting threats targeting candidates, describing them as false and maintaining that the security situation remains under control. Rapid response teams have been positioned along key routes to handle any emergencies.
JAMB: 23 banned items in UTME halls
Earlier, the board released a list of items prohibited in the 2026 UTME halls.
Candidates were urged to comply fully with the guidelines to avoid disqualification on examination day.
According to JAMB’s 2026 UTME manual, only an HB pencil and a copy of the examination slip will be allowed into the Computer-Based Test centres. Any candidate found with unauthorised materials will not be permitted to sit for the examination.