The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced the nationwide accreditation of 848 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in preparation for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The accreditation exercise, which began on Monday, December 15, 2025, is part of JAMB’s efforts to ensure a smooth, credible, and hitch-free conduct of the upcoming UTME across the country.

According to JAMB, the exercise is aimed at verifying the technical readiness, security standards, and operational capacity of CBT centres that have applied to conduct the examination. Only centres that meet JAMB’s strict requirements will be approved to host candidates.

The Registrar of JAMB, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, emphasized the importance of professionalism and transparency during the process, noting that the integrity of the UTME depends largely on the quality and preparedness of the accredited centres. He urged accreditation teams to carry out their duties diligently and without compromise.

JAMB’s IT Consultant explained that the accreditation process involves two major stages. First, centres must successfully pass an automated system readiness test conducted by JAMB. Centres that qualify at this stage will then undergo physical inspection, where facilities, computer systems, power supply, internet connectivity, and security measures are thoroughly assessed.

The board noted that not all centres will be approved, as only those that fully comply with JAMB’s standards will be accredited for the 2026 UTME.

This move aligns with JAMB’s ongoing efforts to improve examination standards, curb malpractice, enhance candidate experience, and ensure fairness in the admission process.

Candidates are advised to ensure they select only JAMB-accredited CBT centres during registration, as examinations conducted at non-accredited centres will not be recognized.