If you are planning to sit for the 2026 UTME, this is one of those early signals you should not ignore. Long before registration dates are announced or exam slips are printed, JAMB has already begun laying the groundwork that will shape how smooth or stressful your exam experience will be. That groundwork starts with CBT centre accreditation.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has officially commenced the nationwide accreditation of Computer-Based Test centres for the 2026 UTME. This process may sound technical, but its impact reaches every candidate, parent, and guardian preparing for the next admission cycle.
Your exam day experience does not begin when you sit in front of a computer. It begins with the quality of the centre you are posted to. That is why this accreditation exercise matters more than many candidates realise.
JAMB’s decision to begin inspections early shows that preparations for the 2026 UTME are already in motion, even though registration has not yet opened. For serious candidates, this is a reminder that early awareness and preparation always give an advantage.
Why JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation Is So Important
JAMB conducts one of the most competitive examinations in Nigeria. Each year, millions of candidates compete for limited admission spaces into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. In such a system, fairness, stability, and consistency matter.
CBT centre accreditation is JAMB’s way of protecting the integrity of the UTME. Over the years, many exam-day problems have been traced back to poorly equipped or badly managed centres. System crashes, unstable internet connections, power failures, biometric delays, and security lapses all affect candidates emotionally and psychologically.
When a candidate loses focus because of technical problems, performance suffers. JAMB understands this reality, which is why it does not leave CBT centre approval to chance.
Accreditation allows JAMB to filter out centres that cannot meet minimum standards. It ensures that candidates across different states write the same exam under similar conditions, regardless of location.
What Accreditation Really Means for CBT Centres
Accreditation is not automatic, and it is not permanent. A centre that was approved last year does not automatically qualify for 2026.
JAMB inspects centres afresh every year. Officials assess infrastructure, systems, security, and management practices. If a centre fails inspection, JAMB either disqualifies it outright or demands upgrades before reconsideration.
This yearly review explains why some centres disappear from the approved list without warning. It also explains why candidates should never assume that a familiar centre will still be available in a new admission cycle.
Accreditation is about performance, not reputation.
What JAMB Is Inspecting During the 2026 Accreditation Exercise
During the 2026 CBT centre accreditation process, JAMB focuses on functionality rather than appearance. A centre may look modern but still fail if it cannot deliver under exam conditions.
One major area of inspection is computer quality and quantity. Centres must have enough functional systems to accommodate candidates without overcrowding. Computers must run smoothly and support JAMB’s exam software without freezing or lagging.
Internet stability is another critical factor. Since the UTME is computer-based, a reliable network is non-negotiable. JAMB tests connectivity under real conditions to ensure it can handle exam pressure.
Power supply also receives serious attention. Centres must demonstrate reliable electricity and functional backup systems such as generators or inverters. Power interruptions during an exam can disrupt concentration and create unfair disadvantages.
Biometric verification systems are carefully tested as well. Fingerprint capture must be fast and accurate. Centres that struggle with biometrics often cause delays that increase candidate anxiety before the exam even begins.
Security is another major focus. JAMB checks CCTV coverage, monitoring systems, and general security arrangements to prevent malpractice. Examination halls must allow proper supervision without crowding.
The physical environment also matters. Ventilation, seating comfort, waiting areas, safety arrangements, and general organisation all form part of the assessment. A centre that fails in any of these areas risks disqualification.
Why JAMB Involves Experts and Stakeholders
CBT centre accreditation is not handled by JAMB officials alone. The process involves a wide range of experts and stakeholders to ensure fairness and technical accuracy.
Chief External Examiners, Chief Technical Advisors, zonal directors, state coordinators, and representatives of recognised computer and IT bodies participate in inspections. Their combined expertise helps identify weaknesses that may not be obvious at first glance.
JAMB’s Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, has repeatedly stressed the importance of integrity and diligence during accreditation. According to him, the credibility of the UTME depends largely on the quality of centres approved to conduct the exam.
Centre owners are warned against cutting corners or attempting to bypass requirements. JAMB takes violations seriously, and centres caught manipulating the process risk permanent disqualification.
What This Accreditation Means for 2026 UTME Candidates
For candidates preparing for the 2026 UTME, this exercise should bring reassurance. It shows that JAMB is actively working to reduce technical failures and exam-day confusion.
It also means that candidates should expect changes. Some centres used in previous years may not appear in 2026 if they fail inspection. New centres may emerge, especially in areas where older ones were disqualified.
Candidates may be posted to centres they have never used before. This is not a punishment. It is a result of JAMB’s effort to ensure that only compliant centres handle examinations.
Understanding this helps candidates manage expectations and avoid unnecessary panic when centre allocations are released.
Why CBT Centre Quality Affects Exam Performance
Many candidates focus only on reading and scoring high. While preparation is essential, the exam environment also plays a role in performance.
A well-organised centre allows candidates to settle quickly, complete biometric verification smoothly, and focus fully on the exam. A poorly managed centre creates tension before the exam even begins.
Delays, noise, confusion, and system issues affect concentration. Once focus is broken, it is difficult to recover fully within a timed exam.
This is why JAMB’s accreditation process matters. It reduces the likelihood of candidates being exposed to unnecessary stress.
What Candidates Should Be Doing Now
Even though UTME registration for 2026 has not yet started, this is the right time for candidates to begin preparing in practical ways.
Familiarity with computer-based testing is no longer optional. Candidates who struggle with basic computer navigation often lose valuable time during the exam, even when they know the answers.
Regular practice with CBT platforms helps candidates become comfortable with on-screen questions, time management, and navigation between subjects.
Candidates should also stay informed through official JAMB channels and trusted education platforms. Social media rumours often spread outdated or incorrect information, especially during early stages of preparation.
Parents and guardians should support candidates by encouraging early preparation and discouraging last-minute rush decisions.
Why Early Accreditation Matters for the 2026 Admission Cycle
The fact that JAMB has begun accrediting over 800 CBT centres early shows serious planning. It reflects an intention to improve exam delivery, strengthen security, and minimise disruptions that affect candidate performance.
As competition for admission continues to rise, small details matter more than ever. A calm exam environment can improve confidence. Confidence can improve performance.
Early accreditation also allows JAMB to correct weaknesses before registration begins. Centres that need upgrades have time to comply, while those that cannot meet standards are removed early.
This proactive approach benefits candidates nationwide.
A Calm Message for 2026 UTME Candidates
The accreditation of CBT centres may seem distant from your daily reading schedule, but it is directly connected to your exam experience.
You cannot control everything about JAMB, but you can control how early you prepare, how informed you remain, and how seriously you take official updates.
Stay focused. Practice consistently. Avoid rumours. Trust verified information.
When exam day arrives, your goal should be to concentrate on answering questions, not worrying about the system, the environment, or the process around you. JAMB’s early accreditation efforts are designed to support that goal.
Preparation is not just about reading books. It is about understanding the system and positioning yourself wisely from the very beginning.
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