Nigeria’s examination body, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has firmly stated that the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination will proceed as planned, dismissing rumours of any postponement and urging candidates to stay focused on their preparations.
The clarification comes amid growing anxiety, particularly from Plateau State, where residents and stakeholders have raised serious concerns about the safety of candidates expected to sit for the nationwide examination later this month.
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JAMB Dismisses Fake Postponement Claims
In a decisive response to widespread speculation, JAMB debunked reports suggesting that the 2026 UTME had been postponed. According to the board, the circulating statement was false and did not originate from any official source.
The examination body made it clear that all scheduled activities remain intact, warning candidates and the public against falling victim to misinformation. The board emphasised that such fake announcements are often designed to create confusion and exploit the anxieties of students preparing for high-stakes examinations.
JAMB also reiterated the importance of relying only on verified communication channels, including its official website and social media platforms, for accurate updates.
The main UTME is expected to hold between April 25 and May 5, 2026, across accredited Computer-Based Test centres nationwide, marking a critical phase for millions of Nigerian students seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
Plateau Residents Raise Alarm Over Safety Risks
While the examination body maintains confidence in its schedule, concerns are mounting in Plateau State, where security challenges have heightened fears about the safety of candidates.
Residents and concerned citizens have drawn attention to the location of some examination centres in areas reportedly affected by insecurity. They warn that students may be exposed to risks while travelling to and from these centres, especially in volatile communities.
Voices from the region have stressed that access to education should not come at the cost of personal safety. Calls have been made for urgent intervention to ensure that candidates can sit for their exams without fear or disruption.
The situation reflects broader tensions in parts of the state, where recurring security incidents have unsettled communities and raised questions about the adequacy of protective measures during major national exercises.
Calls for Urgent Government and Security Intervention
Stakeholders in Plateau are now urging both federal and state authorities to act swiftly by deploying adequate security personnel to safeguard examination centres and surrounding routes.
There have also been appeals for coordinated logistics, including safe transportation arrangements for candidates who may need to travel through high-risk areas. These demands highlight the need for proactive planning to prevent avoidable incidents during the examination period.
Community leaders and advocacy voices insist that ensuring a secure environment is a shared responsibility among government agencies, security operatives, and education authorities.
They warn that failure to address these concerns could undermine public confidence in the examination process and place unnecessary psychological pressure on candidates and their families.
Balancing National Exams with Security Realities
The situation presents a delicate balance between maintaining the integrity of a nationwide examination schedule and responding to local security realities.
For JAMB, keeping the UTME timetable intact is crucial to preserving academic timelines and avoiding disruptions to the admission process. However, the concerns raised in Plateau underscore the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in regions facing security challenges.
Education stakeholders note that beyond logistics, the emotional well-being of candidates is also at stake. Students preparing for the UTME are already under intense academic pressure, and added fears about safety could impact performance and overall experience.
As the examination date approaches, attention is expected to shift towards how effectively authorities can guarantee safe and smooth conduct across all states, particularly those with known security vulnerabilities.
For now, JAMB’s message remains clear: the 2026 UTME will go ahead as scheduled, and candidates are advised to stay focused while relevant authorities address emerging concerns on the ground.
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