By Ayomide Otitoju
The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Ishaq Oloyede, has commended the significant increase in Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centres for the conduct of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), despite technical challenges recorded during this year’s mock exercise.
Oloyede made the remarks on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, describing the mock examination as one of the most successful conducted by the board.
According to him, the number of accredited CBT centres rose from 800 in 2025 to 1,010 in 2026, although about 20 to 25 centres experienced technical issues during the exercise.
The mock UTME, which recently concluded, had drawn criticism from candidates and observers over system failures, raising concerns about JAMB’s preparedness for the main examination. However, Oloyede expressed confidence in the board’s readiness, noting that the mock test serves as a quality assurance measure ahead of the UTME scheduled to hold from April 16 to April 23, 2026.
He explained that fewer than 30 affected centres out of over 1,000 represented a minimal margin of error, adding that about 20 centres had already been delisted for failing to meet required standards.
The JAMB registrar further disclosed that over 1,500 applicants were initially screened before accrediting the 1,010 CBT centres, which are privately owned but certified by the board.
He attributed some of the technical glitches to power supply issues, particularly generator failures, and acknowledged the inconvenience caused to candidates.
Drawing a comparison, Oloyede likened the situation to medical practice, noting that while a small number of adverse outcomes may occur, the overall success rate remains high and should be recognised.
