The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has changed the 2027 UTME first-session arrival time from 6:30am to 7:30am, with the examination scheduled to begin at 8:30am and end at 10:30am.
JAMB said the adjustment was introduced to address safety and logistical concerns associated with candidates travelling to Computer-Based Test centres in the early hours of the morning.
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The decision was disclosed by JAMB spokesperson and Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the change followed discussions at JAMB’s 2026 Management and Information Technology Retreat, held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from 6 to 11 September.
The Board considered concerns from members of the public about the difficulties and safety implications of requiring candidates to travel before dawn.
According to Benjamin, JAMB concluded that moving the reporting time to 7:30am would provide candidates with a safer and more convenient examination-day experience.
The revised schedule means first-session candidates will have one hour between their expected arrival at the CBT centre and the start of the examination.
JAMB also believes the adjustment could reduce the number of candidates who miss their examinations because of difficulties associated with very early morning journeys.
For candidates travelling long distances, the later reporting time could provide additional flexibility and reduce the pressure of beginning journeys before daylight.
However, JAMB clarified that the change applies only to the first session.
Other examination sessions will continue to operate under the existing scheduling arrangements.
The decision was one of the outcomes of the retreat, which brought together JAMB management, state coordinators, heads of outstation offices and other stakeholders.
The revised 2027 UTME first-session arrival time is therefore aimed not at changing the examination itself, but at making the process safer and more manageable for candidates.
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JAMB’s decision comes as preparations for the 2027 UTME continue, with candidate safety, examination logistics and access to CBT centres remaining important considerations for the examination body.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
