Why UTME Results Were Delayed — JAMB Gives Official Explanation

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a public apology over the delay in releasing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results for candidates who sat for the exam on Friday, 17 April 2026, describing the affected release as the second batch in the ongoing result publication process.

In an official statement signed by its Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin (OrgExpert), the Board acknowledged the anxiety caused by the delay and expressed regret to candidates who were expecting their results earlier than scheduled.

JAMB explained that the delay was caused by the temporary unavailability of its Chief Executive, who was engaged in an important official assignment, which affected the final approval process required before the release of the results.

The Board, however, assured candidates that the situation had been resolved and that the UTME results for 17 April 2026 would be released later on Sunday, adding that publication would be completed before nightfall and in any case not later than midnight.

According to the statement, the delay had nothing to do with examination malpractice, technical failure, or marking issues, but was purely an administrative challenge relating to approval logistics.

READ ALSO:

• NDLEA Dismantles Drug Syndicate, Seizes Cocaine Hidden in Food Flasks
• Eight Kidnapped UTME Candidates Freed in Benue After Three Days
• Yayi’s emergence, defining moment for unity, equity, progress — Ogun West Professionals

JAMB also extended a formal apology to candidates who stayed up late waiting for the results, describing their patience as appreciated and acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the delay.

The examination body further assured the public that efforts were ongoing to improve efficiency in future UTME result releases, ensuring smoother coordination and faster dissemination of results across batches.

Candidates have been advised to monitor official JAMB communication channels for immediate updates once the results are published.

“We sincerely apologize for the delay in releasing the results for Friday, 17th April, which is the second batch in the series as earlier promised.

“Our Chief Executive was unavailable due to an important engagement but would be in the office today, and we assure you that the results will be released later today surely before nightfall.

“We also extend our heartfelt apologies to those who stayed up waiting for the release. Thank you for your patience and understanding,” the statement read.

Why UTME Results Were Delayed — JAMB Gives Official Explanation

VIDEO: JAMB Registrar Meets CBT Owner Over Hijab Removal Allegation

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Ishaq Oloyede, has met with the proprietor of a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre accused of asking female candidates to remove their hijabs before gaining access to examination halls.

The incident, which reportedly occurred during the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), sparked widespread backlash from candidates, parents, and civil society groups, raising concerns over religious rights in Nigeria and fairness in examination processes.

According to reports, the CBT centre enforced the directive as part of its internal security checks aimed at preventing examination malpractice. However, critics argue that the action amounted to religious discrimination and violated candidates’ constitutional rights to freedom of worship.

READ ALSO:

• Troops Intercept 569 Rounds of Ammunition, IED Components on Kaduna–Jos Road
• Iran Detains 127 Over Alleged Espionage, Sabotage After Ceasefire
• Starmer Faces Parliamentary ‘Judgment Day’ Over Security Clearance Scandal

In response, Oloyede convened a meeting with the centre’s management to address the controversy. During the discussion, the JAMB Registrar reiterated that while exam security measures are critical to maintaining the integrity of the UTME, they must not infringe on candidates’ dignity or religious freedoms.

JAMB emphasized that CBT centres are expected to follow approved guidelines, which do not mandate the removal of religious attire such as hijabs, except under strictly controlled and respectful verification procedures.

The board is currently reviewing the incident and may impose sanctions if the centre is found to have violated its operational standards. The outcome of the review is expected to shape future policies on CBT centre guidelines and reinforce JAMB’s commitment to fairness and inclusivity.

The controversy has also reignited national debate on balancing exam malpractice prevention with respect for religious diversity in Nigeria’s education system.

JAMB registrar meets with the owner of the CBT center who asked female candidates to remove their hijab before being allowed into examination halls for Computer-Based Test (CBT)

Maiduguri | Sesko | Mason Mount | Home and Away | #CHEMUN | GOD I NEED | Temi Otedola pic.twitter.com/pbS6rJ9nqT

— Newstrends.Ng (@Newstrends_ng) April 19, 2026

VIDEO: JAMB Registrar Meets CBT Owner Over Hijab Removal Allegation

Muslim Girls in Hijab Allegedly Harassed at JAMB Centres Amid UTME 2026 Exams

Reports emerging from parts of Nigeria have sparked widespread concern over alleged harassment of Muslim female candidates wearing hijab during the ongoing 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Eyewitness accounts and viral videos circulating on social media claim that some female candidates were allegedly asked to remove their hijab before being allowed into examination halls at certain Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, particularly in the South-West region. The incidents have triggered heated reactions from parents, religious groups, and civil society organisations.

One widely shared video showed a female candidate at a CBT centre reportedly adjusting and removing her hijab before entering the exam premises, a scene that has been described by critics as humiliating and discriminatory.

Muslim groups have condemned the reported incidents, insisting that the hijab is a protected expression of religious identity and should not be used as grounds for denial of access or intimidation during national examinations. The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) reportedly alleged that security personnel at one of the centres attempted to prevent entry of candidates wearing hijab before intervention by officials.

Some observers argue that the actions may have been linked to security concerns or attempts to prevent examination malpractice, as CBT centres are typically required to enforce strict identity verification procedures. However, critics maintain that such measures should not translate into religious profiling or humiliation of candidates.

JAMB, in previous clarifications on similar controversies, has maintained that no candidate should be discriminated against on religious or cultural grounds, and has urged examination centres to strictly follow approved guidelines.

The matter has since generated intense debate online, with Nigerians divided between those calling for stricter examination security protocols and others demanding stronger protections for religious rights in public institutions.

As the UTME continues nationwide, stakeholders are calling on JAMB to investigate the allegations and ensure uniform enforcement of policies across all centres to prevent further incidents.

Muslim Girls in Hijab Allegedly Harassed at JAMB Centres Amid UTME 2026 Exams