The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is currently conducting mock examinations for over 284,000 candidates, expected to take the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
JAMB’s Head of Information, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, confirmed the figures to Daily Independent on Saturday, saying over 284,000 candidates are sitting for the examination across 987 CBT centres nationwide.
JAMB had earlier cautioned that it would mete out sanctions on candidates who registered for the mock but failed to turn up for the exercise.
It hinged its threat on the argument that indicating interest in sitting for a mock but failing to show up deprives other interested candidates of the opportunity.
The Board explained that although the mock UTME was designed as an optional preparatory exercise, it is limited to a specific number of candidates; hence, indicating interest secures a valuable slot that could otherwise have been allocated to another candidate.
Dr. Benjamin noted that mock was to provide candidates with sufficient exposure and acquaintance ahead of the main examination, and candidates are expected to participate in both sessions consecutively.
“The first session will run from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by the second session from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Candidates are therefore advised to take note of the extended duration for the 2026 Mock UTME,” JAMB advised.
Meanwhile, in this year’s mock, JAMB introduced some measure of flexibility, extending the timeframe for writing the examination from the traditional two hours to four hours.
He explained that the adjustment in timing was to allow candidates to familiarise themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment.
The exercise, however, went smoothly at Zinaria International School, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, where our reporter monitored the exercise.
Although power supply was aided by a generating set within the school premises, candidates taking the examination arrived early enough and were checked into the halls at 7am by officials.
(Independent)
