JAMB Adjusts 2027 UTME Schedule

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has adjusted the arrival and examination times for candidates sitting the first session of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Under the revised arrangement, candidates are expected to arrive at their designated Computer-Based Test centres by 7:30 a.m., instead of the earlier 6:30 a.m. reporting time. The examination will now begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.

JAMB announced the adjustment in its weekly bulletin released in Abuja, citing safety and logistical concerns linked to candidates travelling to examination centres in the early hours.

The board said the concerns were particularly significant for candidates travelling long distances who may have to leave home before dawn to meet the previous reporting time.

According to JAMB, the decision followed discussions at its 2026 Management and IT Retreat held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from September 6 to 11.

The retreat considered concerns raised by members of the public about the earlier reporting time and the difficulties candidates could face travelling in the early morning.

JAMB said the later arrival time would improve candidates’ safety and convenience while potentially reducing absenteeism linked to difficulties with the previous schedule. The Board said other examination sessions would continue under its existing scheduling arrangements.

The schedule adjustment was one outcome of the retreat, which brought together JAMB management, state coordinators, heads of outstation offices, and other stakeholders.

Participants also reviewed measures to improve the efficiency, safety, credibility and overall candidate experience of the UTME as the examination continues to grow in scale and complexity.

Although the 2027 UTME is still months away, JAMB said preparations had begun, with the board applying lessons from previous examinations and implementing decisions reached at the retreat. It said the preparations aimed to deliver a more efficient and candidate-friendly examination.

JAMB advised candidates and the public to take note of the revised timing and await further official communication on the full 2027 UTME timetable and other arrangements.