The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced stricter requirements for computer-based test (CBT) centres seeking accreditation to participate in the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The examination body warned that centres that fail to meet its approved standards will not be allowed to conduct the examination, regardless of their previous participation in the exercise.
JAMB explained that only centres with suitable facilities, dependable infrastructure and the necessary operational capacity would be considered for accreditation ahead of the 2027 UTME.
The Registrar of the board, Prof. Segun Aina, disclosed this during a meeting with the leadership of the Chief External Examiners, where preparations for the forthcoming accreditation exercise were discussed.
According to the board, the meeting was part of efforts to improve the administration of the examination and ensure that all CBT centres comply with its established guidelines.
JAMB noted that the accreditation process would be used to identify and disqualify centres that lack the facilities required to conduct a smooth examination.
The board said the decision was aimed at preventing unnecessary technical problems and other disruptions that could affect candidates during the UTME.
It added that candidates must be provided with a safe, properly equipped and comfortable environment to write their examinations, irrespective of the centres assigned to them.
The examination body maintained that meeting its requirements would be compulsory for all centres seeking approval to participate in the 2027 exercise.
The latest move reflects JAMB’s plan to improve the standard of its examination centres and prevent situations where candidates are forced to experience avoidable difficulties due to poor facilities or unreliable equipment.
The board’s position also means that CBT centre operators will have to ensure that their facilities and equipment are in good condition before seeking approval to host candidates in the 2027 UTME.