The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has come under heavy scrutiny following widespread complaints from candidates across Nigeria.
Although the examination body aimed to improve efficiency and credibility, several issues marred the process, raising concerns about its preparedness and execution.
One of the most prominent challenges was the widespread technical glitches reported at various Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. Candidates experienced system failures, login difficulties, and network disruptions that prevented them from taking their exams as scheduled.
The scale of the problem forced JAMB to announce plans to reschedule examinations for affected candidates, highlighting the severity of the disruption.
In addition to technical problems, poor time management created further frustration. Many candidates reported waiting for hours before being allowed into examination halls, while others missed their sessions entirely due to delays and disorganization.
This was particularly evident during the mock UTME, which is typically designed to test the system ahead of the main exam but instead exposed operational weaknesses.
The delay in the release of results also sparked anxiety nationwide. Candidates who expected prompt access to their scores were left waiting longer than anticipated, prompting an apology from JAMB. For many students, the delay added unnecessary stress during an already tense admission period.
Accessing results proved to be another major hurdle. JAMB initially restricted result checking to an SMS-only system, leaving out candidates who had lost access to their registered phone numbers or were experiencing network issues.
The lack of immediate online access drew criticism, as many candidates were temporarily unable to view or print their results.
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Finally, the registration process and overall logistics posed significant challenges. Complaints ranged from difficulties during registration to issues with centre allocation and overcrowding.
With over two million candidates participating, the strain on available infrastructure became evident, contributing to the broader challenges experienced during the examination period.
Despite JAMB’s efforts to modernize the UTME process, the 2026 exercise revealed critical gaps in technical readiness, coordination, and communication. As stakeholders reflect on this year’s experience, many are calling for more robust systems and improved planning to ensure a smoother process in future examinations.
