JAMB Adjusts 2027 UTME Schedule Over Safety Concern

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has adjusted the schedule for the first session of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.

Under the new arrangement, candidates must arrive at their assigned Computer-Based Test centres by 7:30 a.m.

The examination will then begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.

JAMB announced the change in its weekly bulletin released in Abuja, citing safety and logistical concerns.

The board said the earlier 6:30 a.m. arrival time created difficulties for candidates who travel long distances to their examination centres.

It explained that some candidates would have to leave their homes before dawn to meet the previous reporting time.

JAMB said the adjustment followed deliberations at its 2026 Management and Information Technology Retreat in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

The retreat held from September 6 to 11 and considered concerns raised by members of the public.

According to the board, moving the arrival time forward would make the journey to examination centres safer and more convenient.

It also expects the change to reduce absenteeism linked to difficulties with early-morning travel.

However, JAMB said other examination sessions would retain their existing scheduling arrangements.

The retreat brought together members of the board’s management, state coordinators, heads of outstation offices and other stakeholders.

They reviewed measures to strengthen the efficiency, safety and credibility of the UTME.

The participants also examined ways to improve the overall experience of candidates as the examination continues to expand.

Although the 2027 UTME remains months away, JAMB said preparations have already begun.

The board said it would apply lessons from previous examinations while implementing decisions reached at the retreat.

It added that the overall goal remains a smoother and more candidate-friendly examination.

JAMB therefore urged candidates and the public to take note of the revised arrival and examination times.

The board also advised candidates to await further official communication on the full 2027 UTME timetable and other arrangements.