JAMB Begins Nationwide Accreditation of 848 CBT Centres Ahead of 2026 UTME
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially commenced the accreditation of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), signalling an early start to preparations for one of Nigeria’s most critical national examinations.
According to details obtained by Akahi News, the nationwide exercise began on Monday, December 15, 2025, with a total of 848 CBT centres scheduled for assessment across the country.
Accreditation Exercise Begins Nationwide
In its Weekly Bulletin released on Monday, JAMB disclosed that the development was announced during a virtual meeting involving Chief External Examiners (CEEs), Chief Technical Advisors (CTAs), Zonal Directors, State Coordinators, officials of the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria (CPAN), ZITOs, SITOs, PITOs, and other critical stakeholders.
The JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, while addressing participants at the meeting, emphasised the importance of professionalism and integrity in the accreditation process. Akahi News gathered that he described the exercise as a national duty with far-reaching consequences for millions of candidates seeking tertiary education admission.
Oloyede Warns Against Compromising Standards
Professor Oloyede reportedly urged members of the accreditation teams to approach the assignment with focus, diligence, and thoroughness, warning against approving any CBT centre that fails to meet the Board’s minimum standards.
He stressed that accrediting substandard centres could undermine the credibility of the UTME and negatively affect candidates’ experiences. According to Akahi News, the Registrar reminded officials that their decisions during the exercise would have lasting implications for the integrity of the examination system.
Security and Safety Emphasised
Beyond technical compliance, Professor Oloyede also advised accreditation teams to remain security conscious during their field assignments. He cautioned them against unnecessary movements or actions that could expose them to danger, while assuring stakeholders that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to ensure a smooth and safe exercise nationwide.
Observers note that this emphasis reflects JAMB’s growing concern for the safety of its officials amid broader security challenges across parts of the country.
Strict IT and CCTV Requirements for Centres
Providing technical insights into the exercise, JAMB’s IT Consultant, Mr Damilola Bamiro, explained that only centres that successfully passed the mandatory automated system-readiness test would qualify for physical inspection.
Akahi News learnt that accreditation teams will place strong emphasis on CCTV infrastructure, including coverage and configuration. Centres are required to use hard-wired CCTV systems, specifically the HIKVision brand, with the recommended 16-channel configuration. In addition, all network switches must be connected to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) to guarantee stability during examinations.
Implications for 2026 UTME Candidates
With the accreditation exercise now underway, indications suggest that registration for the 2026 UTME may commence soon. Education stakeholders believe the early start will help JAMB ensure better preparedness, reduce technical failures, and improve overall examination integrity.
Prospective UTME candidates are therefore encouraged to begin early preparation for the examination. As part of this preparation, candidates may seek academic support and guidance at Akahi Tutors, located at 67 Oduduwa College Road, Off Sabo Junction, Ile-Ife. Interested candidates can make enquiries via 08038644328.
A Step Towards Credible Examinations
Analysts say the strict accreditation process underscores JAMB’s determination to uphold high standards and sustain public confidence in the UTME. By prioritising technology, security, and accountability, the Board appears set to deliver a more seamless examination experience in 2026.
As developments unfold, Akahi News will continue to monitor and report updates on UTME registration timelines and other related announcements.
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