JAMB moves 2027 UTME arrival time from 6:30am to 7:30am over safety concerns

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says it has adjusted the arrival and examination times for the 2027 unified tertiary matriculation examination (UTME).

Fabian Benjamin, JAMB spokesperson, said in a statement on Monday that the board has moved the arrival time for candidates in the first examination session from 6:30am to 7:30am.

According to him, the adjustment is aimed at addressing concerns over the safety and logistical challenges associated with very early-morning movement by candidates, particularly those travelling considerable distances to their designated computer-based test (CBT) centres.

“The decision was reached following extensive deliberations during the 2026 management and IT retreat of the board, held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state, from 6th to 11th September 2026,” the statement reads.

“The retreat considered concerns raised by members of the public regarding the implications of the previous early arrival time, including the difficulties candidates may encounter travelling before dawn.

“It was consequently considered that a later arrival time would not only improve the safety and convenience of candidates but could also reduce the number of candidates who might be absent due to difficulties associated with the earlier schedule.

“Accordingly, the new schedule for the first examination session is as follows: Arrival Time: 7:30 a.m. as against the 6:30 a.m. while Examination to start at 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.”

The JAMB spokesperson said other examination sessions would subsequently follow in line with the board’s established scheduling arrangements.

“Although the 2027 UTME is still some months away, the board has already commenced preparations in earnest,” he said.

“The objective is to leverage the lessons from previous examinations and the decisions reached at the retreat to deliver what is expected to be one of the most efficient, seamless and candidate-friendly UTME exercises in the history of the Board.

“Candidates and the general public are therefore advised to take note of the adjustment and await further official communication from the Board on the complete 2027 UTME examination timetable and other arrangements.”