The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially commenced the nationwide accreditation of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This development marks one of the most important early steps in the preparation for the 2026 admission cycle and directly affects every candidate planning to sit for the examination.
According to reports, JAMB has begun inspecting and accrediting over 800 CBT centres across Nigeria, a process aimed at ensuring that only centres that meet strict technical, security, and operational standards are allowed to conduct the UTME. This exercise is not new, but its importance continues to grow as JAMB relies entirely on computer-based testing to conduct one of the most competitive examinations in the country.
For candidates, this accreditation process is a strong signal that preparations for the 2026 UTME are already underway, even before the official registration date is announced.
Why JAMB Accredits CBT Centres Every Year
CBT centre accreditation is JAMB’s way of protecting the credibility of the UTME. Over the years, issues such as system failure, poor internet connectivity, power outages, biometric malfunctions, and examination malpractice have been linked to poorly equipped centres. Accreditation helps JAMB filter out centres that cannot meet minimum requirements.
Before a centre is approved, JAMB officials physically inspect its facilities to confirm that it can support a smooth and secure examination process. Centres that fail to meet these standards are either rejected outright or required to upgrade before reconsideration. This ensures fairness, stability, and uniformity across all examination locations nationwide.
For students, this means that the centre you are eventually posted to has passed several layers of scrutiny before being approved.
What JAMB Is Checking During the Accreditation Exercise
During the accreditation process, JAMB focuses heavily on the technical readiness of each centre. Officials inspect the quality and number of computers available, ensuring that systems are modern, functional, and sufficient to accommodate candidates without overcrowding. Internet connectivity is also carefully tested, as a stable network is essential for CBT examinations.
Power supply is another critical factor. Centres must demonstrate the availability of reliable electricity, including backup power sources such as generators or inverters, to prevent disruptions during exams. Biometric verification systems are checked to ensure proper candidate identification, while CCTV coverage is reviewed to discourage malpractice and monitor examination halls effectively.
JAMB also assesses the physical environment of centres, including waiting areas, registration points, ventilation, seating arrangements, and overall safety. Centres that do not meet these requirements are not approved, regardless of their popularity or location.
The Role of Experts and Stakeholders in the Process
The accreditation exercise involves more than just JAMB officials. Professionals from various sectors, including Chief External Examiners, Chief Technical Advisors, state coordinators, zonal directors, and representatives of recognised computer and IT bodies, participate in the inspections.
JAMB’s Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, has repeatedly emphasized the need for diligence and honesty during this process. According to him, the integrity of the UTME depends largely on the quality of centres approved to conduct the examination. This is why centre owners and managers are warned against cutting corners or attempting to bypass technical requirements.
What This Means for 2026 UTME Candidates
For candidates preparing for the 2026 UTME, this accreditation exercise offers reassurance. It means that the centres where you will eventually sit for your exam are being carefully screened to reduce technical problems, confusion, and unfair practices on exam day.
It also means that some centres used in previous years may no longer be approved if they fail to meet JAMB’s updated standards. As a result, candidates may be posted to new or different centres, especially in areas where old centres were disqualified.
Students should understand that accreditation is done in their best interest. While no examination system is perfect, JAMB’s effort to strengthen CBT centre quality is meant to give all candidates a fair chance, regardless of location.
What Candidates Should Start Doing Now
Although UTME registration for 2026 has not yet begun, this is the right time for candidates to start preparing seriously. Familiarity with computer-based testing is no longer optional. Candidates who struggle with basic computer use often lose valuable time during the exam, even when they know the answers.
Students are advised to practice regularly with CBT platforms, past questions, and timed tests. Visiting nearby accredited centres once registration begins can also help reduce anxiety, especially for first-time candidates.
Most importantly, candidates should rely only on official JAMB updates and trusted education platforms like MyEduSOS for accurate information, rather than rumours or unverified social media posts.
Why This Step Is Important for the 2026 Admission Cycle
The accreditation of over 800 CBT centres shows that JAMB is laying the foundation early for the 2026 UTME. It reflects the board’s intention to improve examination delivery, strengthen security, and minimize disruptions that could affect candidates’ performance.
As competition for university, polytechnic, and college of education admission continues to rise, small details such as exam centre quality can make a big difference in a candidate’s experience and confidence.
