Why JAMB shifts 2027 UTME first-session arrival time
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has adjusted the schedule for the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), moving the arrival time for candidates in the first session from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Under the new arrangement, candidates in the first session are expected to arrive at their designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:30 a.m., while the examination will commence at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.
JAMB said the adjustment was made to address safety and logistical concerns associated with candidates travelling to examination centres in the early hours of the morning, particularly those coming from distant locations.
The decision was reached during the Board’s 2026 Management and IT Retreat held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from September 6 to 11, 2026.
The retreat considered concerns raised by members of the public over the implications of the previous 6:30 a.m. arrival time, including the difficulties candidates could face travelling before dawn.
According to the Board, the later arrival time is expected to improve the safety and convenience of candidates and reduce absenteeism arising from difficulties associated with the earlier schedule.
Other examination sessions will continue to follow the Board’s established scheduling arrangements.
The retreat brought together JAMB management, state coordinators, heads of outstation offices and other stakeholders to review issues affecting the conduct of its examinations and overall operations.
Participants also examined measures to improve the efficiency, safety, credibility and candidate experience of the UTME amid the increasing scale and complexity of the examination.
Although the 2027 UTME is still months away, JAMB said preparations have commenced, with the Board seeking to apply lessons from previous examinations and implement decisions reached at the retreat.
The Board said its objective is to deliver a more efficient, seamless and candidate-friendly UTME.
Candidates and the general public are advised to take note of the revised first-session arrival time and await further official communication on the complete 2027 UTME timetable and other arrangements.