The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has officially announced the commencement of examination slip printing for candidates registered for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The directive marks a critical stage in the examination process, as candidates are required to obtain their slips to access key details needed for participation.
Official Announcement
JAMB made the announcement on Thursday, urging candidates to promptly visit its official website to download and print their examination slips ahead of the exercise.
According to the board:
“Examination Slip Printing is now available. The slip contains details of the venue, date and time of your examination and gives you access to the examination hall.”
Candidates are specifically instructed to visit jamb.gov.ng and click on the “2026 Slip Printing” option to retrieve their slips.
Importance of the Examination Slip
The UTME examination slip is a mandatory document required for entry into the examination hall.
It contains essential information such as:
- Candidate’s full name and registration number
- Examination date and time
- Assigned Computer-Based Test (CBT), centre and address
- Subject combination
- Key instructions for the examination
Without this document, candidates may be denied access to the examination venue.
Examination Schedule
The 2026 UTME is scheduled to take place from Thursday, April 16 to Saturday, April 25, 2026. This follows the mock UTME conducted on Saturday, March 28, 2026, which served as a preparatory exercise for candidates and the board.
Insights from the Mock Examination
JAMB disclosed that a total of 224,597 candidates registered for the mock examination, out of which 152,586 successfully sat for the test across 989 CBT centres nationwide.
However, the exercise recorded technical difficulties at some centres. As a result, the board delisted over 20 CBT centres due to technical inadequacies, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring a smooth and credible main examination.
Clarification on Fake Postponement Notice
The announcement also comes in response to a viral press release falsely claiming that the 2026 UTME had been postponed. JAMB firmly dismissed the report, describing it as “malicious and fake.”
The board urged candidates and the general public to disregard such misinformation and rely only on official communication channels for accurate updates.
Step-by-Step Guide to Printing the Slip
Candidates can print their examination slips by following these steps:
- Visit the official JAMB portal (jamb.gov.ng)
- Click on “2026 Slip Printing”
- Enter required details (registration number, email, or phone number)
- Download and print the examination slip
Candidates are advised to print their slips early to avoid last-minute technical issues such as website congestion.
Advisory and Warnings to Candidates
JAMB issued additional guidance and warnings to ensure compliance and integrity:
- Print slips early and verify all details
- Visit the assigned CBT centre ahead of the exam date if possible
- Print multiple copies for backup
- Avoid unofficial agents and fraudulent assistance
The board also warned against fraudsters, particularly those operating on WhatsApp, who claim they can help inflate UTME scores. JAMB described such claims as “false and criminal” and cautioned that any candidate found engaging in such activities risks cancellation of registration or withholding of results.
Implications for Candidates
The directive underscores the importance of preparedness and strict adherence to examination guidelines.
Failure to print the examination slip could result in:
- Missing the examination
- Reporting to the wrong venue
- Disqualification due to lack of required documentation
Given the competitive nature of the UTME and its role in determining admission into tertiary institutions, compliance is essential.
Conclusion
The commencement of examination slip printing by JAMB signals the final phase of preparation for the 2026 UTME. Candidates are strongly advised to act promptly, verify their examination details, and remain vigilant against misinformation and fraud. Proper adherence to these guidelines will ensure a smooth and successful examination experience.
