The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has adjusted the arrival and examination times for candidates sitting the first session of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as the board’s newly appointed Registrar, Professor Segun Aina, begins implementing a five-year reform agenda.
Under the revised schedule, candidates for the first session will now be required to arrive at their Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:30 a.m., instead of the previously scheduled 6:30 a.m.
The examination itself will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.
Why JAMB changed the timing
JAMB said the adjustment was informed by safety and logistical concerns associated with very early-morning movement by candidates.
The board noted that the earlier reporting time could particularly affect candidates who travel considerable distances to their assigned examination centres and may have to leave home before dawn.
The revised timetable is part of broader changes being introduced under Aina’s leadership.
Five-year reform plan
Aina has outlined a five-year reform agenda focused on improving confidence in JAMB’s processes and reducing what he described as unnecessary trauma for candidates.
The reform agenda comes as the examination body reviews how the UTME can better serve candidates while maintaining the integrity of the admission process.
JAMB has also recently announced plans to explore the incorporation of life skills and critical thinking into the UTME, with a committee of education stakeholders and experts tasked with developing a framework for the proposed change.
What candidates should know
For candidates sitting the first session of the 2027 UTME, the immediate change is the later arrival time.
Previous arrival time: 6:30 a.m.
New arrival time: 7:30 a.m.
Examination: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
The adjustment does not eliminate the need for candidates to arrive early enough to complete verification and other examination-centre procedures.
JAMB’s stated objective is to balance examination security and operational requirements with the safety and welfare of candidates travelling to CBT centres.