The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revised the arrival and examination times for candidates sitting the first session of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Under the new arrangement, candidates are now required to arrive at their designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:30 a.m., replacing the earlier 6:30 a.m. arrival time.
The examination will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.
JAMB announced the adjustment in its weekly bulletin released in Abuja, explaining that the decision was prompted by safety and logistical concerns linked to very early-morning travel.
The board noted that the concerns were particularly significant for candidates who live far from their examination centres and may be required to leave their homes before dawn.
Why JAMB Changed the 2027 UTME Time
According to JAMB, the decision followed discussions during its 2026 Management and IT Retreat held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from September 6 to 11, 2026.
The retreat considered concerns raised by members of the public regarding the challenges associated with the previous 6:30 a.m. arrival time.
Some candidates, particularly those travelling long distances to their assigned CBT centres, could face difficulties getting to their locations safely during the early hours of the morning.
JAMB said shifting the arrival time to 7:30 a.m. would provide candidates with a safer and more convenient travel window.
The board also expressed the expectation that the adjustment could help reduce absenteeism caused by challenges associated with the previous schedule.
Other 2027 UTME Sessions Remain Unchanged
JAMB clarified that other examination sessions would continue to operate according to the established scheduling arrangements.
The adjustment was one of several issues considered during the management and IT retreat, which brought together JAMB officials, state coordinators, heads of outstation offices and other relevant stakeholders.
Participants reviewed strategies aimed at improving the efficiency, safety, credibility and overall candidate experience of the UTME.
The discussions also considered the increasing scale and complexity of conducting the nationwide examination.
JAMB Begins Early Preparations for 2027 UTME
Although the 2027 UTME is still months away, JAMB said preparations are already underway.
The board said it is working to apply lessons learned from previous examinations while implementing decisions reached during the retreat.
According to JAMB, the goal is to deliver a more efficient, seamless and candidate-friendly examination.
Candidates and members of the public have been advised to take note of the revised timing and await further official announcements regarding the complete 2027 UTME timetable and other examination arrangements.
