JAMB 2026 mock UTME begins nationwide as candidates report mixed experiences and extended exam duration.

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Is-haq Oloyede, on Saturday oversaw the commencement of the JAMB 2026 mock UTME across Nigeria, with no fewer than 227,896 candidates participating in the preparatory exercise.

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The nationwide mock examination marks the first stage of the board’s activities ahead of the main Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination scheduled in the coming weeks.

JAMB had earlier warned that candidates who registered for the optional mock exercise but failed to attend would face sanctions, stressing that such absences deny other applicants the opportunity to utilise limited slots.

The board explained that although participation is voluntary, indicating interest during registration secures a valuable placement that must be honoured.

The JAMB 2026 mock UTME is designed to familiarise candidates with the computer-based testing system, reduce anxiety and assess the board’s operational readiness.

However, reports from some Computer-Based Test centres in Abuja revealed a mix of experiences. At a centre in Kurudu, several candidates complained of technical glitches, including system malfunctions and unexpected timeouts during the examination.

One parent, identified as Plangnam, said her son encountered repeated biometric verification issues before eventually gaining access with the assistance of centre officials.

In contrast, another parent at the same venue described the process as seamless, noting that his son completed biometric verification without difficulty and entered the examination hall promptly.

He urged JAMB to build on the lessons from the mock exercise to ensure a smoother experience during the main examination.

“I believe the board uses the mock to test its readiness. Complaints from candidates and operators should be carefully reviewed and addressed before the main UTME,” he said.

In a notable adjustment this year, JAMB extended the duration of the mock examination from the traditional two hours to four hours, a move it described as a strategic improvement to deepen candidates’ familiarity with the testing environment.

According to the board, the examination was conducted in two consecutive sessions, with the first running from 8:00am to 10:00am and the second from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

JAMB advised candidates to take note of the extended duration, emphasising that the change was intended to provide a more immersive and effective preparatory experience.

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Despite the reported challenges, the exercise is expected to offer valuable insights for both candidates and the examination body as preparations intensify for the main UTME.