JAMB Moves 2027 UTME Time — Here’s What Candidates Need To Know

JAMB CBT Centre

JAMB Moves 2027 UTME Time — Here’s What Candidates Need To Know

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has adjusted the schedule for the first session of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), moving the arrival time for candidates from 6:30am to 7:30am.

Under the revised arrangement, candidates taking part in the first session will be expected to arrive at their designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:30am, while the examination will commence at 8:30am and end at 10:30am.

JAMB said the adjustment was introduced in response to concerns over the safety and convenience of UTME candidates, particularly those who travel long distances to their assigned examination centres.

The Board said the earlier 6:30am arrival requirement could force some candidates to embark on their journeys before dawn, exposing them to avoidable transportation and security risks.

The decision to move the arrival time was reached during JAMB’s 2026 Management and Information Technology Retreat, held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from September 6 to 11.

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The retreat brought together JAMB management, state coordinators, heads of outstation offices and other relevant officials to review the Board’s operations and consider measures for improving the conduct of future examinations.

According to the Board, concerns had been raised about the safety implications of requiring candidates to report at examination centres as early as 6:30am, especially where candidates have to travel considerable distances.

JAMB said the one-hour adjustment would allow candidates more time to travel to their centres during daylight and could also reduce the pressure associated with early-morning transportation.

The Board also indicated that the adjustment could help reduce UTME absenteeism, as some candidates who encounter transportation difficulties or live far from their assigned centres may find it easier to arrive under the revised arrangement.

The new 7:30am reporting time applies to the first UTME session, with the examination itself scheduled to begin at 8:30am.

JAMB said other sessions would continue according to the examination schedule to be released as part of the preparations for the 2027 exercise.

The latest decision is part of broader efforts by the examination body to improve the safety, efficiency and overall experience of candidates sitting the annual university entrance examination.

JAMB has increasingly placed emphasis on the need to make its examination processes more efficient while addressing logistical challenges associated with the movement of millions of candidates across the country.

The 2027 UTME is expected to involve candidates from across Nigeria and other countries where Nigerian candidates are permitted to sit for the examination.

The adjustment will be particularly significant for candidates who are assigned to CBT centres outside their immediate communities, as the later arrival time gives them an additional hour to complete their journeys before reporting for accreditation and other pre-examination procedures.

Candidates are, however, expected to follow the specific instructions contained in their examination slips and other official communications from JAMB once the full examination schedule is released.

The Board is expected to provide further information on 2027 UTME registration, examination dates, registration centres, approved CBT centres, candidate requirements and session allocations as preparations progress.

Prospective candidates have also been advised to rely on official JAMB announcements and avoid unverified schedules circulated on social media or other unofficial platforms.

The latest change does not mean that candidates should arrive late at their assigned centres. Those scheduled for the first session will still be expected to report by 7:30am to allow sufficient time for verification and other procedures before the examination begins at 8:30am.

JAMB’s decision is therefore expected to provide some relief to candidates and families concerned about the risks associated with very early-morning travel, while helping the Board maintain an orderly start to the 2027 UTME.