The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has delisted 23 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres due to technical deficiencies identified during the 2026 mock UTME. This decision comes as part of JAMB’s efforts to ensure the integrity of the examination process for the upcoming Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which is set to take place from April 16 to April 25, 2026.
The mock UTME, conducted on March 28, 2026, was designed to assess the operational and technical readiness of accredited centres. Following the examination, results were released on March 31, 2026, revealing that several centres experienced prolonged delays and network failures, prompting JAMB to take decisive action.
The affected centres are spread across 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory, including Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, and the FCT. JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, confirmed the delisting decision, emphasizing that it was necessary to maintain the standards expected of examination centres.
In total, 2,243,816 candidates have registered for the 2026 UTME nationwide, a significant increase from previous years. To accommodate this surge, JAMB has increased the number of examination centres to 1,000, up from fewer than 800 in 2025. This expansion aims to provide better access and reduce congestion during the examination period.
In addition to the delisted centres, JAMB has issued warnings to 88 other centres that encountered minor technical issues during the mock examination. These warnings serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining operational standards to ensure a smooth examination experience for candidates.
The mock UTME serves as a crucial opportunity for JAMB to identify and rectify any shortcomings in the centres before the main examination. Observers expect that the measures taken by JAMB will enhance the overall examination process, although details remain unconfirmed regarding any further actions against the warned centres.