JAMB has warned that CBT centres that fail to meet its operational and infrastructural requirements will not be accredited to participate in the 2027 UTME, as the Board moves to strengthen examination security and improve candidates’ experience.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to enforce stricter accreditation requirements for Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres ahead of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The Board made it clear that CBT centres seeking approval to participate in the 2027 examination must demonstrate adequate facilities, reliable infrastructure and the operational capacity to conduct a credible and hitch-free examination.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, disclosed the development during a meeting with the leadership of the Chief External Examiners, where preparations and readiness for the forthcoming CBT centre accreditation exercise were discussed.
According to a statement shared on the Board’s official X handle on Thursday, the meeting formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen examination administration and ensure that all participating centres comply with established operational standards.
JAMB Introduces Strict Screening for 2027 UTME CBT Centres
The Board explained that the accreditation exercise would serve as an important screening process to prevent inadequately equipped CBT centres from hosting candidates during the 2027 UTME.
Under the proposed enforcement approach, centres that fail to satisfy JAMB’s requirements will not receive accreditation, regardless of their previous participation in the examination.
The move is aimed at preventing avoidable technical disruptions, poor examination conditions and other operational challenges that could affect candidates during the nationwide exercise.
JAMB also emphasised that accreditation would not be automatic for CBT centres seeking to participate in the 2027 UTME.
Reaffirming its position, the Board stated:
“Only centres that meet JAMB’s standards will be accredited to host the examination. For candidates, that means a fair and secure place to sit the UTME, wherever they write it.”
Candidates to Benefit From Improved Examination Conditions
The stricter accreditation requirements are expected to improve the quality and reliability of examination centres across the country.
By ensuring that only properly equipped facilities are approved, JAMB hopes to provide candidates with a more secure, stable and conducive environment for taking the UTME.
The policy also underscores the Board’s determination to strengthen public confidence in the examination process and ensure that candidates are not disadvantaged because of inadequate facilities at their assigned centres.
Among the operational concerns the accreditation process is expected to address are insufficient computer systems, unreliable technical infrastructure, inadequate facilities and poor readiness to manage computer-based examinations.
2027 UTME Preparations Gather Momentum
With preparations for the 2027 UTME underway, JAMB has maintained that compliance with its accreditation requirements will remain non-negotiable for all CBT centres seeking approval.
The latest development signals a renewed commitment to examination integrity, operational efficiency and the protection of candidates’ interests.
CBT centre operators are therefore expected to ensure that their facilities and technical systems meet the Board’s prescribed standards before seeking accreditation.
For prospective UTME candidates, the development means JAMB is placing greater emphasis on ensuring that examination centres provide reliable facilities and fair testing conditions.
However, the Board’s announcement does not, in itself, provide specific accreditation dates or a detailed list of the technical requirements for the 2027 exercise.
Candidates and CBT centre operators are advised to follow JAMB’s official communication channels for further announcements concerning the accreditation process and other preparations for the 2027 UTME.