The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has dominated headlines this week with result releases, security incidents, policy clarifications, and ongoing examinations. Naija Smart Hub reports everything that happened from April 13 through today, April 20, 2026.
JAMB Releases Over 1.89 Million UTME Results
The biggest news this week is the progressive release of the 2026 UTME results. As of Sunday, April 19, JAMB had released results for 1,897,692 candidates who sat for the examination between April 16 and April 18 .
Result Release Breakdown:
- April 16 (Day 1): 632,752 results released
- April 17-18 (Days 2-3): 1,264,940 results released
JAMB spokesperson Dr. Fabian Benjamin confirmed that candidates can check their results by sending "UTMERESULT" to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number (SIM) registered during their JAMB registration .
The board emphasized that result slips are not yet available for printing and warned candidates against result manipulation, noting that two candidates and one parent are already in custody for attempting to falsify results using AI and electronic means .
JAMB Apologizes for Result Delay
The release of the April 17 results was delayed beyond the initially scheduled Saturday timeline, triggering frustration among candidates nationwide.
JAMB issued an apology on Sunday, April 19, explaining that the delay was due to the Board's Chief Executive being engaged in an important official assignment . Dr. Benjamin assured candidates that the results would be released before nightfall on Sunday, a promise the board fulfilled .
Security Incident: Kidnapping of Benue JAMB Candidates
On Wednesday, April 16, gunmen attacked a commercial bus traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo in Benue State, abducting approximately 14 passengers . Initial reports suggested that many of the victims were JAMB candidates heading to Otukpo to sit for their examinations scheduled for Thursday, April 17.
The Benue State Police Commissioner, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the incident and disclosed that he was personally leading rescue operations in the area . The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed that security operatives had been deployed to rescue the victims .
A controversy emerged when JAMB initially denied that the kidnapped victims were UTME candidates. On April 18, both JAMB and the Benue Police Command clarified that the abducted passengers were not registered UTME candidates, correcting widespread misinformation that had circulated on social media .
Despite the identity confusion, all 13 remaining abducted passengers regained their freedom in the early hours of Sunday, April 19, after being held captive for approximately three days . Sources indicated that about eight of the released victims were indeed young adults who had been traveling for examination purposes.
Following their rescue, the victims were immediately evacuated to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo for urgent medical care .
Hijab Controversy at Ibadan CBT Centre
On Thursday, April 16, social media erupted with a video showing a Muslim female candidate being asked to remove her hijab before entering the examination hall at the Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State .
JAMB's Swift Response
JAMB immediately distanced itself from the incident, blaming an "overzealous ad hoc staff member" who failed to adhere to the Board's established guidelines regarding candidates' religious attire . Dr. Fabian Benjamin stated:
"The Board wishes to state clearly that this act was neither perpetrated by the centre nor part of its official protocol. Rather, it was the action of an overzealous ad hoc staff member who failed to adhere to the Board's established guidelines regarding candidates' religious attire."
JAMB confirmed that it promptly intervened by calling the official to order and issuing immediate instructions that no candidate wearing a hijab should be asked to remove or alter it . The board further assured all candidates that their rights to religious expression, including dressing, remain protected under its policies .
To prevent recurrence, all ad hoc staff involved in the ongoing nationwide examination have been re-briefed on approved screening procedures .
JAMB Delists 23 CBT Centres, Warns 89 Others
Ahead of the main UTME, JAMB conducted a comprehensive review of the 2026 Mock UTME and took decisive action against underperforming centres .
Delisted Centres
JAMB delisted 23 Computer-Based Test centres across 11 states due to serious technical deficiencies that could compromise candidates' performance. The affected states include Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, FCT, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo, and Plateau .
Notable delisted centres include:
- Abia: Micben Seat of Wisdom Academy, Ukwa West
- Anambra: Bishop Crowther Seminary CBT Centre, Awka; The Oracle Lens, Nnokwa
- Lagos: Florin High School, Ejigbo; Teesas Learning and CBT Centre, Lekki
- FCT: De-Lite CBT Centre, Maitama; Zulqud Consult Ltd, Lugbe
- Oyo: Lasting Glory Schools, Ibadan; SAF Polytechnic, Iseyin
Permanent Blacklisting
One Lagos centre, Ha-Shem Academy, Yaba was permanently blacklisted and barred from ever hosting any JAMB examination due to unresolved critical deficiencies .
Warned Centres
Additionally, 89 centres across multiple states received warnings for minor technical issues and were given a final opportunity to address shortcomings before the main examination .
Fake JAMB Coordinator Arrested in Anambra
In a related development, the Anambra Police Command arrested a fake JAMB coordinator on April 14, 2026, in Atani . The suspect was apprehended with eight JAMB examination slips in his possession, highlighting ongoing concerns about examination fraud and impersonation. The arrest serves as a warning to candidates and parents about the dangers of dealing with unauthorized individuals claiming to represent JAMB.
Schedule Adjustments and Ongoing Exams
Revised Arrival Times
On April 13, JAMB announced adjustments to the UTME schedule, shifting the Session 1 arrival time from 6:30am to 7:00am, with the session now running from 8:30am to 10:30am . The revised schedule is:
- Session 1: 8:30am – 10:30am
- Session 2: 11:00am – 1:00pm
- Session 3: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
- Session 4: 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Examination Continues
The 2026 UTME, which commenced on April 16, is scheduled to conclude on Wednesday, April 22 . Over 2.2 million candidates registered for this year's examination, which is being conducted across over 900 accredited CBT centres nationwide .
Candidates scheduled for April 20 and the remaining days are advised to arrive at their centres at least 30 minutes before their scheduled time, bringing copies of their examination slips and necessary items .
Key Takeaways for Candidates
- Result Checking: Send "UTMERESULT" to 55019 or 66019 using your registered phone number
- Be Patient: Results are released in batches; not seeing yours yet doesn't mean failure
- Avoid Fraud: Do not attempt to manipulate results—JAMB is actively prosecuting offenders
- Religious Rights: You cannot be forced to remove your hijab or any religious attire during screening
- Stay Safe: Travel to examination centres during daylight hours and use secure transportation
Stay tuned to NaijaSmartHub.com.ng for continuous updates on JAMB 2026 UTME results, admissions, and post-UTME information.
Sources: NaijaSmartHub gathered this updated from credible sources from the likes of The Guardian, Punch Nigeria, Vanguard, Premium Times, Daily Post, Sahara Reporters, TVC News, JAMB Official Bulletin.
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