There is renewed hope for candidates affected by recent technical disruptions during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has confirmed plans to organise make-up examinations.
The development follows complaints from some candidates who were unable to complete or properly sit for their examinations due to system failures at accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
The incident caused significant anxiety among candidates and parents, many of whom called for immediate clarification on when a rescheduled examination would take place.
Some affected candidates had asked when JAMB would reschedule those impacted by the technical challenges experienced at some centres.
The disruptions reportedly affected the smooth conduct of examinations in isolated locations, raising concerns about fairness and equal opportunity in the assessment process.
Responding to these concerns, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin, assured that arrangements were underway to address the situation comprehensively.
He explained that the Board was aware of the distress caused and was working to ensure that all affected candidates were given another opportunity to sit for the examination under fair and stable conditions.
Dr Benjamin disclosed that the make-up examination is likely to hold in the second week of May, adding that the exact date would be officially communicated soon.
He emphasised that the decision reflects JAMB’s commitment to maintaining credibility, transparency, and fairness in the conduct of its examinations.
According to the Board, the arrangement for a make-up examination is part of broader efforts to ensure that no candidate is disadvantaged due to technical or operational challenges beyond their control.
JAMB reiterated that its assessment system is designed to provide equal opportunity for all candidates, regardless of location or circumstance, and that every effort is being made to uphold that principle.
The Board further reassured candidates that no affected student would be left behind.
It stated that technical teams were reviewing the systems used in CBT centres to identify the root causes of the disruptions and strengthen infrastructure to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This includes improving server stability, monitoring centre readiness, and ensuring real-time technical support during examinations.
As candidates await the official schedule for the make-up examination, the announcement has brought a measure of relief.
It would be recalled that JAMB has fixed 11 May 2026 for its annual policy meeting on admissions, where critical decisions, including the minimum cut-off marks for the 2026 admission exercise, will be determined.
The high-level meeting, scheduled to hold in Abuja, will bring together key stakeholders across the tertiary education sector to deliberate on admission guidelines and set the tone for the 2026/2027 academic session.
Dr Benjamin stated that the meeting will take place at the Body of Benchers Auditorium, located at Plot 688, Institute and Research District, Federal Capital City Phase III, Jabi, Abuja.
He described the policy meeting as a major event in the education calendar, where stakeholders collectively shape the direction of tertiary admissions in Nigeria.
He added that the 2026 policy meeting promises to be particularly significant, as key policy directions will be unveiled by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa.
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