In a move aimed at protecting candidates from avoidable examination-day challenges, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced stricter measures for the accreditation of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres ahead of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The examination body said centres that fail to meet its operational and technical requirements will not be allowed to participate in the nationwide examination exercise. The decision is part of efforts to ensure that candidates sit for their examinations in safe, reliable and well-equipped environments.
According to JAMB, only centres with adequate infrastructure, stable technology systems and the capacity to conduct hitch-free examinations will receive accreditation for the 2027 UTME.
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The Board’s position was made known during discussions with the leadership of the Chief External Examiners as preparations begin for the next accreditation exercise. The meeting focused on strengthening examination administration and ensuring compliance with established standards across the country.
For thousands of students seeking admission into tertiary institutions, the announcement signals JAMB’s determination to eliminate the technical issues and disruptions that have occasionally affected some CBT centres in previous examinations.
The Board stressed that accreditation would not be automatic, warning operators of CBT centres that they must demonstrate full readiness before being considered. JAMB maintained that its screening exercise would serve as a critical quality-control measure to prevent poorly equipped facilities from handling candidates during the examination period.
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“Only centres that meet JAMB’s standards will be accredited to host the examination,” the Board stated, noting that the exercise is designed to guarantee fairness and security for candidates regardless of where they sit the UTME.
Education stakeholders believe the fresh crackdown could boost confidence in the examination process, especially following previous concerns over technical failures and infrastructure gaps in some centres. Earlier reviews by the Board had resulted in the delisting of centres that failed to meet required operational standards.
As preparations for the 2027 UTME gather momentum, JAMB insists that compliance with its accreditation requirements remains non-negotiable. The Board says its priority is to ensure that every candidate writes the examination under conditions that support transparency, credibility and equal opportunity.
