The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has acknowledged the technical issues that affected the 2026 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, assuring candidates that necessary steps will be taken to address the problems.
In an official statement released on Monday, JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, explained that the mock exercise served as an important test run to evaluate the Board’s readiness for the main UTME scheduled for April 2026.
The admission follows widespread reports of candidates experiencing difficulties during the exam, including server failures, power outages, and delays across several CBT centres nationwide. Many candidates who arrived early at their centres were left waiting for hours, leading to frustration among both candidates and parents.
JAMB noted that while many centres conducted the examination successfully, some experienced technical challenges. The Board emphasized that the purpose of the mock exam is not only to prepare candidates for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment but also to identify and correct system weaknesses ahead of the main examination.
According to the Board, the 2026 mock UTME featured two sessions to give candidates more exposure and practice with the CBT system.
JAMB further disclosed that centres found to have performed below standard during the exercise will be sanctioned or delisted to ensure better performance during the main UTME.
Despite the challenges reported, the Board assured candidates that feedback from the mock exam will be used to improve the conduct of the main examination.
Candidates are advised to remain calm, learn from the experience, and prepare adequately for the main UTME, which is set to commence on April 16, 2026.
