The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has adjusted the arrival and examination times for candidates sitting for the first session of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Under the revised arrangement, candidates are now expected to arrive at their designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:30 a.m., instead of the earlier 6:30 a.m. reporting time. The examination will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.
JAMB announced the adjustment in its weekly bulletin released in Abuja, explaining that the decision was taken to address safety and logistical concerns linked to candidates travelling very early in the morning.
The board said the concerns were particularly important for candidates who travel long distances to their examination centres and may be required to leave their homes before dawn.
According to JAMB, the decision followed deliberations at its 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 regarding the implications of the earlier reporting time, including the challenges candidates could face while travelling during the early hours of the morning.
JAMB said shifting the arrival time forward would enhance the safety and convenience of candidates while potentially reducing absenteeism caused by difficulties associated with the previous schedule.
The board, however, said other examination sessions would continue to operate according to its existing scheduling arrangements.
The adjustment was one of the outcomes of discussions at the retreat, which brought together JAMB management, state coordinators, heads of outstation offices and other relevant stakeholders.
Participants examined measures aimed at improving the efficiency, safety, credibility and overall experience of candidates taking the UTME, particularly as the examination continues to grow in scale and complexity.
Although the 2027 UTME is still months away, JAMB said preparations were already underway, with the board focusing on lessons from previous examinations and implementing decisions reached during the retreat.
The board said its goal was to provide a more efficient, seamless and candidate-friendly examination process.
Candidates and members of the public were advised to take note of the revised reporting time and await further official communication regarding the complete 2027 UTME timetable and other arrangements.
