The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has delisted 23 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Nigeria over technical failures, as part of efforts to ensure a smooth and credible conduct of its examinations.
The affected centres are located in several states, including Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The decision was announced in a statement released on Friday by JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, following an internal review of the 2026 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted on March 28.
According to the Board, the affected centres failed to meet the required technical and operational standards during the mock examination, which is designed to test both candidates and facilities ahead of the main UTME.
“Following the conduct of the 2026 Mock UTME, JAMB has delisted 23 Computer-Based Test centres for technical deficiencies,” the statement said.
Among the centres affected are DE-LITE CBT Centre located at Model Secondary School in Maitama, Abuja; The Oracle Lens at Ubili Town Hall in Nnokwa, Anambra State; SAF Polytechnic along Iseyin-Oyo Road in Oyo State; and Greenhills Academy at Cele Bus Stop on Itele Road.
The Board also announced that HA-SHEM Academy, located in Yaba, Lagos, would no longer be used for any of its examinations, indicating a stricter stance on compliance with its standards.
In addition to the delisting, JAMB issued warnings to 88 other CBT centres that were found to have minor technical issues during the mock examination. These centres are expected to address the identified problems or risk facing similar sanctions.
The mock UTME is an important part of JAMB’s preparation process. It allows candidates to become familiar with the computer-based testing system while also giving the Board an opportunity to assess the readiness of accredited centres.
Over the years, JAMB has shifted from the traditional paper-based examination to a fully computer-based system in a bid to reduce examination malpractice, improve efficiency, and speed up the release of results.
However, the success of the CBT system depends heavily on the quality of facilities at accredited centres, including stable electricity, functional computers, reliable internet connectivity, and trained personnel.
JAMB said the recent action was necessary to protect the integrity of its examinations and to ensure that candidates are not disadvantaged by poor infrastructure or technical failures.
“The Mock UTME serves as a critical platform for the Board to assess its level of preparedness and identify centres that fall short of required standards,” the statement explained.
“In the aftermath of the exercise, the Board’s internal review mechanisms identified a number of centres that failed to meet these standards.”
The Board added that it is committed to maintaining high standards and would only allow centres that are fully prepared to participate in the main UTME.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that technical issues at CBT centres have been a major source of complaints from candidates in previous years.
In some cases, candidates have reported problems such as system shutdowns, network failures, and delays that affected their performance during the examination.
By taking early action through the mock examination, JAMB aims to prevent such problems during the main UTME, which is taken by hundreds of thousands of candidates across the country each year.
The UTME is a key requirement for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, making it one of the most important examinations in the country.
Competition for admission into tertiary institutions remains high, with limited spaces available compared to the number of applicants.
As a result, any disruption during the examination process can have serious consequences for candidates.
JAMB’s decision to delist underperforming centres is also seen as part of broader efforts to improve accountability among CBT operators.
Centres are expected to meet strict guidelines before they are accredited, and they are regularly monitored to ensure compliance.
Failure to meet these standards can lead to suspension or removal from the list of approved centres, as seen in the latest action.
The Board has also encouraged affected centres to upgrade their facilities and address identified issues if they hope to regain accreditation in the future.
For candidates preparing for the 2026 UTME, the development serves as reassurance that the Board is taking steps to ensure a fair and smooth examination process.
Parents and guardians have also expressed relief, noting that improved standards at CBT centres will help reduce stress and uncertainty for candidates.
As preparations continue for the main UTME, JAMB has urged all accredited centres to maintain high standards and ensure that their facilities are fully functional.
The Board also advised candidates to remain calm and focus on their preparation, assuring them that measures are being put in place to provide a conducive examination environment.
With the examination date drawing closer, all eyes will be on JAMB to deliver another successful exercise, free from the technical challenges that have affected past exams.