JAMB Adjusts 2027 UTME Start Time, Moves First Session Arrival to 7:30am By Beauty Akporido Aroh
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has adjusted the arrival and examination times for the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), moving the arrival time for candidates in the first examination session from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
The adjustment is aimed at addressing concerns over the safety and logistical challenges associated with very early-morning movement by candidates, particularly those travelling considerable distances to their designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
The decision was reached following extensive deliberations at 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 early arrival time, including the difficulties candidates could encounter while travelling before dawn.
The Board consequently considered that a later arrival time would not only enhance the safety and convenience of candidates but could also reduce the number of candidates who might be absent due to challenges associated with the earlier schedule.
Accordingly, the new schedule for the first examination session is:
Arrival Time: 7:30 a.m., instead of 6:30 a.m.
Examination: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Other examination sessions will subsequently follow in line with the Board’s established scheduling arrangements.
The adjustment is one of the outcomes of far-reaching deliberations at the 2026 Management and IT Retreat, which brought together the Board’s management, State Coordinators, heads of outstation offices and other relevant stakeholders to critically examine issues affecting the conduct of its examinations and overall operations.
Participants deliberated extensively on measures to further improve the efficiency, safety, credibility and candidate experience of the UTME, particularly in view of the increasing scale and complexity of the examination.
Although the 2027 UTME is still several months away, JAMB said preparations have already commenced in earnest, with the objective of applying lessons from previous examinations and implementing decisions reached at the retreat.
The Board said the measures are expected to contribute to a more efficient, seamless and candidate-friendly UTME exercise.
Candidates and the general public are therefore advised to take note of the adjustment and await further official communication from JAMB on the complete 2027 UTME timetable and other arrangements.
