By Desire Uzochukwu
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to tighten accreditation requirements for computer-based test (CBT) centres ahead of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), warning that centres that fail to meet its prescribed standards will not be allowed to participate in the exercise.
The Board said only centres with adequate facilities, reliable infrastructure and sufficient operational capacity to guarantee a smooth and credible examination would be approved to host candidates.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Segun Aina, disclosed this during a meeting with the leadership of the Chief External Examiners, where preparations for the accreditation exercise ahead of the 2027 UTME were reviewed.
According to a post on the Board’s official X handle on Thursday, the meeting formed part of efforts to strengthen examination administration and ensure strict adherence to established operational standards.
JAMB explained that the accreditation exercise would serve as a screening process to prevent inadequately equipped centres from participating in the examination and protect candidates from avoidable disruptions and unfavourable testing conditions.
Reaffirming its position, the Board stressed that accreditation would not be automatic for CBT centres seeking approval to host the examination.
“Only centres that meet JAMB’s standards will be accredited to host the examination. For candidates, that means a fair and secure place to sit the UTME, wherever they write it,” the Board stated.
The development underscores the Board’s determination to strengthen the credibility of the UTME by ensuring that candidates across the country have access to secure, reliable and conducive examination environments.
The stricter accreditation requirements are also expected to address operational challenges associated with computer-based examinations, particularly inadequate facilities and poor technical readiness.
As preparations for the 2027 UTME gather momentum, JAMB maintained that compliance with its accreditation requirements would remain non-negotiable for all CBT centres seeking approval to participate in the nationwide examination.
