JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation Exercise – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has officially commenced the nationwide inspection and approval of Computer-Based Test centres in preparation for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
This JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation Exercise marks one of the earliest stages in organizing the annual entrance examination into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation Exercise process involves hundreds of examination centres spread across the country, reflecting JAMB’s effort to ensure that candidates sit for the UTME in secure, technologically sound, and properly supervised environments.
The JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation Exercise kicked off in mid-December 2025 and forms a critical foundation for the smooth conduct of the 2026 examination.
What the JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation Exercise Process Means
CBT centre accreditation is not a routine formality. It is a detailed evaluation exercise that determines which centres are qualified to host UTME examinations. Only centres that meet JAMB’s strict technical, security, and operational standards are allowed to participate.
This process ensures that candidates are examined under fair and uniform conditions, regardless of location. It also helps prevent technical failures, malpractice, and safety risks that could compromise the credibility of the UTME.
By starting early, JAMB creates enough time to correct shortcomings, remove unqualified centres, and strengthen overall exam readiness.
Scale of the 2026 Accreditation Exercise
For the 2026 UTME, the JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation Exercise covers 848 Computer-Based Test centres across Nigeria. These centres are distributed among urban and semi-urban locations to improve accessibility for candidates nationwide.
The wide coverage highlights the increasing dependence on computer-based testing and the need for consistent digital infrastructure. Each centre is expected to demonstrate readiness in terms of equipment, power supply, security systems, and trained personnel.
The JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation Exercise began officially on Monday, 15th of December 2025, signaling JAMB’s commitment to early planning and quality assurance.
How the Information Was Made Public
Details of the JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation Exercise were shared through JAMB’s official Weekly Bulletin, released on the same day the inspections began. This bulletin serves as a formal communication channel for updates related to examinations, policy decisions, and operational activities.
The announcement followed a virtual meeting convened by the Board’s leadership, bringing together key stakeholders involved in the UTME process. The session provided guidance, expectations, and technical direction for all teams participating in the accreditation exercise.
Key Stakeholders Involved in the Accreditation Exercise
The online meeting was attended by a broad range of officials responsible for examination planning and execution. These included Chief External Examiners, Chief Technical Advisors, Zonal Directors, State Coordinators, and other officers directly involved in UTME administration.
Professional bodies such as the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria were also represented, alongside technical officers identified as ZITOs, SITOs, and PITOs. Their involvement reinforces the technical integrity of the process and ensures compliance with modern ICT standards.
This multi-layered collaboration allows for thorough evaluation from both academic and technological perspectives.
Registrar’s Message on Responsibility and Integrity
During the briefing, JAMB Registrar Professor Is-haq Oloyede emphasized the seriousness of the accreditation task. He reminded all inspection team members that their decisions would directly affect millions of UTME candidates and the wider Nigerian education system.
He stressed that accreditation teams must approach the assignment with professionalism, accuracy, and fairness. No centre, according to him, should be cleared unless it fully satisfies every guideline set by the Board.
The Registrar described the exercise as a national duty, urging inspectors to resist pressure, avoid shortcuts, and uphold ethical judgment at all times.
Importance of Strict Compliance With Standards
Professor Oloyede made it clear that partial compliance is unacceptable. Centres must meet all technical, security, and operational requirements before they can be approved.
This firm stance reflects JAMB’s ongoing effort to eliminate poorly equipped centres and reduce incidents of examination disruption. In past UTME cycles, technical failures and inadequate facilities were identified as major challenges.
By insisting on full compliance, JAMB aims to protect candidates from avoidable stress and ensure credibility in the examination process.
Safety Advisory for Accreditation Teams
Beyond technical evaluation, the Registrar also addressed the personal safety of accreditation officers. Given the nationwide scope of the exercise, team members are required to travel extensively, sometimes to unfamiliar locations.
Inspectors were advised to remain vigilant, limit unnecessary movement, and avoid environments that could expose them to danger. The emphasis on safety reflects JAMB’s concern for the well-being of its staff and collaborators.
Professor Oloyede reassured participants that security arrangements had been put in place to support the exercise from commencement to completion.
Security Measures Supporting the Exercise
According to the Registrar, security agencies are actively involved in safeguarding both accreditation personnel and examination infrastructure. These measures are designed to ensure uninterrupted inspections and protect sensitive equipment.
The collaboration between JAMB and security agencies helps minimize risks such as sabotage, theft, or interference with the accreditation process. It also sends a strong signal about the seriousness attached to UTME preparations.
Role of Automated Technical Screening
JAMB’s Information Technology Consultant, Mr Damilola Bamiro, provided further insight into the technical screening process. He explained that only centres that successfully passed an automated system readiness test were shortlisted for physical inspection.
This preliminary assessment evaluates whether a center’s computer systems meet baseline operational requirements for UTME delivery. Centres that failed this digital test were automatically removed from consideration and did not advance to the next stage.
The approach saves time and resources while ensuring that inspection teams focus only on potentially qualified centres.
Why Some Centres Were Disqualified Early
Centres that failed the automated test were excluded due to issues such as outdated hardware, unstable networks, inadequate system configuration, or insufficient computing capacity.
By filtering centres early, JAMB reduces the risk of approving facilities that may later fail during examinations. This proactive method reflects lessons learned from previous UTME cycles.
It also encourages CBT operators to invest in proper infrastructure if they wish to remain relevant in future examinations.
CCTV Surveillance Requirements Explained
During physical inspections, special attention is placed on Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems. According to Mr Bamiro, surveillance infrastructure is a critical requirement for CBT centre approval.
Each centre must install hard-wired CCTV cameras manufactured by HIKVision, configured using the approved 16-channel system. This setup ensures complete coverage of examination halls and related areas.
Wireless or substandard camera systems are not accepted, as they may compromise monitoring and evidence recording.
Importance of CCTV in UTME Administration
CCTV systems play a key role in preventing examination malpractice and resolving disputes. Clear video records allow JAMB to review incidents objectively and take appropriate action when necessary.
The requirement for standardized camera systems ensures uniformity across centres and eliminates compatibility issues during monitoring and playback.
This strict surveillance policy has contributed significantly to reducing examination irregularities in recent years.
Power Stability and Network Infrastructure Standards
In addition to surveillance, JAMB places strong emphasis on power reliability. All network switches at CBT centres must be connected to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
This requirement ensures that computer systems, cameras, and network devices remain operational even during power interruptions. Power failure during examinations can disrupt testing, cause data loss, and create confusion for candidates.
By mandating UPS-backed systems, JAMB minimizes technical disruptions and protects the integrity of examination sessions.
Ensuring a Seamless Experience for UTME Candidates
Every technical requirement enforced during accreditation is aimed at improving the experience of UTME candidates. From stable computer systems to reliable power supply and effective surveillance, each element contributes to a fair and stress-free examination environment.
Candidates benefit from reduced delays, fewer technical interruptions, and enhanced security during exams. These improvements also build public confidence in the UTME as a credible national assessment.
Why Early JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation Exercise Matters
Starting the JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation Exercise process months ahead of the examination gives JAMB enough time to address gaps, approve additional centres if necessary, and finalize logistics.
Early preparation also allows candidates to know available centres in advance, aiding better planning during UTME registration. It reduces last-minute changes that could inconvenience candidates.
This proactive approach reflects JAMB’s evolving strategy toward efficient examination management.
Final OutlookÂ
The ongoing JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation Exercise for the 2026 UTME demonstrates JAMB’s commitment to transparency, quality control, and technological excellence. By enforcing strict standards and involving experienced professionals, the Board continues to raise the bar for computer-based testing in Nigeria.
As inspections progress nationwide, only centres that fully meet the required benchmarks will be allowed to host UTME examinations. This ensures fairness for candidates and strengthens the credibility of the admission process.
The JAMB CBT Centre Accreditation Exercise remains a crucial step toward delivering a smooth, secure, and reliable 2026 UTME.
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