The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has adjusted the arrival and examination schedule for candidates sitting for the first session of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Under the new arrangement, candidates are expected to arrive at their designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:30 a.m., instead of the earlier 6:30 a.m. schedule. The examination will now begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.
JAMB announced the change in its weekly bulletin released in Abuja, explaining that the decision was taken to address safety and logistical challenges linked to early morning travel by candidates.
According to the board, the concerns mainly affect candidates who travel long distances to their examination centres and often have to leave home before daybreak.
JAMB said the adjustment followed extensive discussions during its 2026 Management and IT Retreat, held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from September 6 to 11, 2026.
The board said participants at the retreat considered public concerns about the earlier reporting time and the difficulties many candidates faced travelling in the early hours of the day.
JAMB noted that moving the arrival time to 7:30 a.m. would improve the safety and convenience of candidates. It also believes the adjustment could reduce absenteeism caused by challenges associated with the previous schedule.
The board, however, stated that other examination sessions would continue to follow the existing timetable.
It explained that the retreat brought together JAMB management, state coordinators, heads of outstation offices and other stakeholders to review ways of improving the conduct of the UTME.
According to the board, discussions focused on measures to strengthen the efficiency, safety, credibility and overall experience of candidates, especially as the examination continues to grow in scale and complexity.
Although the 2027 UTME is still months away, JAMB said preparations have already begun. It added that the board is applying lessons from previous examinations while implementing decisions reached at the retreat.
JAMB said its goal is to deliver a more efficient, seamless and candidate-friendly examination.
The board advised candidates and the general public to take note of the revised arrival time and await further official communication on the full 2027 UTME timetable and other examination arrangements.
