The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has said the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has recorded minimal challenges across the country.

The Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, made this known during a monitoring visit to a CBT centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, where he described the exercise as largely successful.

According to him, only a few centres experienced issues, mainly due to power supply interruptions and minor technical faults. He noted that out of about 980 centres nationwide, only around 16 recorded challenges.

He added that over 1.7 million candidates had already sat for the examination within the first few days, describing the overall process as smooth and well coordinated.

Oloyede also addressed public concerns about early reporting times, clarifying that examinations do not begin at 6:30 a.m., but candidates are required to arrive early for accreditation. He further explained that the exam schedule was adjusted from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. to improve efficiency.

On misinformation linking candidates to kidnapping incidents, he urged the public to avoid unverified reports that could complicate security investigations.

The Registrar also warned candidates and parents against engaging with fraudsters offering “exam runs” or score manipulation, stressing that JAMB has intensified efforts to track and prosecute offenders.

He disclosed that several suspects are already facing prosecution for examination malpractice, including individuals who continued fraudulent activities even while in custody.

“Those who attempt shortcuts will be identified and sanctioned,” he warned.

JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a credible, transparent, and fair examination process for all candidates across the country.