• JAMB has officially started the change of institution and course process for candidates who sat for the 2026 UTME
• Candidates can now modify their previously selected schools or programmes ahead of admission screenings
• JAMB warned candidates to carry out all changes only through accredited CBT centres

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced the process for change of institution and course for candidates who participated in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The announcement was disclosed on Friday, May 15, by JAMB spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, through a statement shared on his X account.

The move comes as candidates prepare for admission screenings and other admission-related activities across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The exercise gives candidates the opportunity to modify their previously selected institutions or programmes after completing their UTME registration.

JAMB confirmed that eligible candidates under the 2026 UTME cycle can now begin making adjustments to their institution and course choices following recent updates concerning the examination.

According to the Board, all modifications must be carried out only at JAMB-approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide. Candidates were cautioned against using unauthorised channels to avoid mistakes or possible fraud.

“Candidates wishing to change their institution or programme of choice may now proceed to do so visiting any of the Board’s approved CBT,” the statement read.

The Board reiterated that only accredited CBT centres are authorised to process any changes, stressing the importance of its centralised admission management system.

JAMB also revealed that the printing of original 2026 UTME result slips will officially begin on Monday, May 18, 2026. The result slips are among the key documents required during post-UTME screenings and admission processes.

The 2026 UTME examination was conducted between April 16 and April 25, 2026, in CBT centres across the country.

JAMB had earlier released 632,752 results for candidates who sat the examination on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The Board later announced the release of an additional 1,264,940 results for candidates who wrote the examination on April 17 and 18.

Altogether, 1,897,692 UTME results were released within the first three days of the examination exercise.

More than 2.2 million candidates registered for the 2026 UTME, which was conducted in over 1,000 CBT centres nationwide.

JAMB also maintained its minimum admission benchmarks for the 2026 admission cycle while unveiling a new policy expected to take effect from 2027.

Under the current guidelines, the minimum cut-off mark remains 150 for universities and Colleges of Nursing Sciences, while polytechnics are expected to admit candidates with scores from 100 and above.

The minimum admission age for tertiary institutions also remains 16 years.

In addition, candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education for education and agriculture non-engineering programmes will no longer be required to sit for the UTME beginning from the 2027 admission cycle.

The Board explained that the policy is designed to improve access to teacher training and agriculture-related programmes. However, universities and polytechnics offering similar courses will still require candidates to participate in the UTME.

The new policy has continued to generate mixed reactions among Nigerians, with many debating whether the exemption would expand educational opportunities or lower academic standards in critical professional sectors.

JAMB exempts Education, Agriculture candidates from UTME requirement

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board had announced a major reform to Nigeria’s tertiary admission process, revealing that candidates applying for Education programmes and Agriculture-related non-engineering courses will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

According to the examination body, the new policy is aimed at creating alternative admission pathways for students seeking entry into selected academic disciplines.