JAMB Shifts 2026 UTME Start Time in Jos Over Security Concerns
Our Staff
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has revised the start time for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Jos, Plateau State, citing security risks tied to the ongoing curfew in the area. 
Under the new schedule, exams in Jos will now commence at 9:00am instead of the previous 8:30am. The adjustment was made to keep candidates from traveling during restricted hours.
The change applies to all candidates scheduled to sit for the examination in Jos between April 16 and April 25, 2026. JAMB has released a revised timetable ahead of the examination week.
JAMB spokesperson Benjamin Fabian announced the adjustment during a briefing at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. He said the board consulted stakeholders in Plateau State before finalizing the decision.“The adjustment was necessary to ensure candidates do not leave their homes during curfew hours,” Fabian explained.
He noted that the board engaged security agencies and religious leaders in Jos to coordinate the process smoothly.According to Fabian, the Nigeria Police Force has made adequate preparations for the examination. “We made the adjustment so candidates don’t come out too early, and we are confident the examination will proceed smoothly,” he said.
JAMB confirmed that discussions are still ongoing with relevant authorities on a possible review of the curfew to further ease movement for candidates. The board said its priority is to balance candidate access with public safety.
The Nigeria Police Force reassured residents and candidates that security has been scaled up across all examination centres in the state. Patrols and checks have been conducted around venues ahead of the exercise.Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Placid said additional personnel have been deployed both overtly and covertly to strategic locations. Rapid response teams are also positioned along key routes to address any incident quickly.
He urged candidates to stay calm, follow official instructions, and avoid spreading unverified information.
Authorities dismissed reports of threats targeting candidates as false, maintaining that the security situation is under control. JAMB also reminded candidates of its strict exam rules. Earlier, the board released a list of 23 items banned from UTME halls for 2026. Only an HB pencil and the examination slip will be permitted into CBT centres, and candidates found with unauthorised materials will be barred from the exam.
