- The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board warns that candidates who skip the 2026 mock UTME after registering will face sanctions
- The board says absenteeism wastes limited slots and denies other candidates participation opportunities
- JAMB also extends the mock exam duration from two hours to four hours for 2026 to improve familiarity with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has issued a strong warning to candidates registered for the 2026 mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, stating that those who fail to show up will face sanctions.
In its weekly bulletin released on Monday, March 23, the board stressed that candidates who indicate interest in the mock exercise and secure a slot but fail to attend deprive other willing participants of the opportunity.
“Absence from the mock UTME after indicating interest will attract appropriate consequences.
“All affected candidates are therefore strongly advised to make the necessary arrangements to participate in the mock UTME scheduled for Saturday, 28th March 2026,” JAMB said.
The board reiterated that although the mock UTME is optional, participation is limited, making each allocated slot valuable and not to be wasted.
Beyond the warning, JAMB also announced a major adjustment to the structure of the mock examination. Unlike previous years where the exercise lasted two hours, the 2026 edition will run for four hours.
According to the board, the extension is designed to better prepare candidates by giving them more time to familiarise themselves with the Computer-Based Test environment.
JAMB further disclosed that the examination will be conducted in two consecutive sessions on the same day.
The first session will take place from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by a second session from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Candidates are expected to participate in both sessions.
“The first session will run from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., followed by the second session from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Candidates are therefore advised to take note of the extended duration for the 2026 Mock UTME,” JAMB advised.
The board noted that the adjustments are part of efforts to provide candidates with sufficient exposure and familiarity ahead of the main UTME.