Candidates to Arrive by 7:30am as First Session Exam Moves to 8:30am
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has adjusted the arrival and examination times for candidates sitting the first session of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Under the revised schedule, candidates are expected to arrive at their designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:30 a.m., instead of the previously scheduled 6:30 a.m.
The examination will now begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.
JAMB announced the adjustment in its weekly bulletin released in Abuja, saying it was aimed at addressing safety and logistical concerns associated with very early-morning travel.
The board said the change was particularly important for candidates travelling long distances to their examination centres and who may have to leave home before dawn.
According to JAMB, the decision followed deliberations at its 2026 Management and IT Retreat held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from September 6 to 11.
The board said moving the arrival time forward would improve candidates’ safety and convenience while potentially reducing absenteeism linked to difficulties with early-morning travel.
JAMB added that other examination sessions would retain their established scheduling arrangements.
The board said preparations for the 2027 UTME had already commenced, with lessons from previous examinations being applied to improve the efficiency, safety and credibility of the exercise.
Candidates and the general public were advised to take note of the adjustment and await further official communication on the full 2027 UTME timetable and other arrangements.