The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has firmly debunked a widely circulated press release alleging that the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), has been postponed. The board described the notice as fake, malicious, and misleading, reassuring candidates and stakeholders that the examination will proceed as originally scheduled.
Emergence of the Fake Postponement Notice
In early April 2026, a purported press statement began circulating across social media platforms, claiming that JAMB had postponed the UTME. The false information caused widespread concern among candidates preparing for the examination.
Responding in an official statement issued on Saturday, JAMB categorically denied the claim, stating:
“Our attention has been drawn to the malicious press release stating that the 2026 UTME has been postponed. The general public, particularly the candidates, are by this notice informed that the press release is fake and did not emanate from us. Kindly disregard it. All activities on the 2026 UTME continue as scheduled.”
The board emphasized that the misinformation did not originate from any of its verified communication channels.
Confirmation of UTME Schedule
JAMB reaffirmed that the 2026 UTME will hold according to its previously announced timetable:
- Start Date: Thursday, April 16, 2026
- End Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
The board stressed that no adjustments have been made, urging candidates to continue their preparation without distraction.
Context: 2026 Mock UTME and Technical Issues
The clarification comes shortly after the conduct of the 2026 UTME Mock Examination on Saturday, March 28, 2026, which experienced technical challenges at several Computer-Based Test (CBT), centres nationwide.
Key statistics from the mock exercise include:
- 224,597 candidates registered
- 152,586 candidates successfully participated
- Conducted across 989 CBT centres nationwide
Following the exercise, JAMB disclosed that over 20 CBT centres were delisted due to technical inadequacies. This action, according to the board, is part of ongoing efforts to ensure a smoother and more reliable examination process for the main UTME.
Warning Against Fraudulent Activities
In addition to addressing the postponement rumour, JAMB issued a strong warning about fraudulent schemes targeting candidates. The board highlighted the emergence of individuals and groups—particularly on WhatsApp—who falsely claim they can manipulate or inflate UTME scores.
JAMB described such claims as false and criminal, warning that:
- Any candidate involved in such activities risks cancellation of registration
- Results may be withheld or invalidated
The board urged candidates to avoid engaging with such actors and to rely only on official JAMB channels for information and guidance.
Implications for Candidates and Stakeholders
JAMB’s clarification carries important guidance:
- Stay focused: Candidates should continue their preparation based on the confirmed schedule.
- Verify information: Only trust updates from official JAMB platforms.
- Avoid scams: Engagement with fraudulent schemes can have serious consequences.
Conclusion
The swift response by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board highlights the growing challenge of misinformation during critical national examination periods. By reaffirming that the 2026 UTME will proceed as planned, JAMB aims to restore confidence and ensure that candidates remain focused and prepared.
The incident underscores the importance of accurate information dissemination, digital awareness, and institutional vigilance in safeguarding the credibility of Nigeria’s examination system.
