The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has taken firm action against several Computer Based Test centres after discovering technical issues during its recent mock examination. The board announced that 23 centres across Nigeria have been removed from its approved list following performance failures recorded during the 2026 mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
This decision came after a detailed internal review of how the centres operated during the mock exercise. The examination body explained that the mock test is not only designed to help candidates get familiar with the computer based testing system but also serves as a way to evaluate the readiness and efficiency of accredited centres.
According to the board, several centres failed to meet the expected operational and technical standards. As a result, they were immediately delisted to prevent disruptions during the main examination. The affected centres are spread across different states, including Lagos, Oyo, Osun, Delta, Edo, Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, and others.
In its statement, JAMB stressed the importance of maintaining high standards. It said, “The Mock UTME, introduced to enable candidates familiarise themselves with the Computer Based Test (CBT) environment, also serves as a critical platform for the Board to assess its level of preparedness.”
The board further noted that the exercise helped identify centres that were not properly equipped or prepared to handle the demands of the examination. “It provides an opportunity to identify centres that fall short of the required operational and technical standards,” the statement added.
Beyond the 23 centres that were removed, JAMB also issued warnings to several others that showed minor issues. These centres have been advised to upgrade their facilities and address the identified problems or risk facing stricter penalties in the future.
In a more severe move, one centre in Lagos was permanently banned from participating in any future JAMB examinations. This action highlights the board’s strict stance on compliance and its determination to ensure that only capable centres are allowed to conduct such an important national exam.
JAMB emphasised that these steps are necessary to protect the credibility of the examination process. “The Board has taken decisive steps, in line with its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its examination processes, to ensure that only centres that are fully prepared and compliant participate in the main UTME exercise.”
For candidates, this development means that those who initially selected any of the affected centres may be reassigned to other approved locations before the main exam. The board is expected to provide further updates to guide affected students.
Overall, the action signals a stronger push by JAMB to eliminate technical failures and improve the overall experience for candidates. By removing underperforming centres and warning others, the board aims to ensure a smoother and more reliable examination process nationwide.
