The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has concluded the final stage of automating its examination processes with the digitisation of question authoring for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Registrar of the board, Ishaq Oloyede, announced the development on Tuesday at the University of Ibadan during a training session for test developers.
Oloyede explained that JAMB’s automation journey began about a decade ago, describing the latest milestone as the tenth and concluding phase of the reform.
“We are here at the University of Ibadan to do the last round of our automation process.
“This phase is about automating the authoring of questions. Our authors can now set questions from their various locations without having to travel across the country,” he said.
He noted that the new system would simplify operations, cut costs and reduce stress, while strengthening efficiency and safeguarding the integrity of the examination process.
According to him, strict checks and balances have been embedded to preserve the credibility of the platform.
Addressing registration updates, the registrar disclosed that accredited Computer-Based Test centres have increased from about 800 in 2025 to more than 1,000 in 2026 to facilitate smooth registration and conduct of the examination.
“As of this morning, we have registered about two million candidates, surpassing the figure at this time last year.
“Pin vending ends tomorrow, Feb. 26, and there will be no extension. Those who have obtained their pins are expected to complete their registration before the deadline,” Oloyede said.
He cautioned candidates and parents against engaging in examination malpractice or attempting to manipulate the system, stressing that violators would face consequences.
“There is no shortcut to education. We are monitoring the system closely, and those attempting to subvert it will be apprehended,” he said.
Reacting to the development, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Adenike Oladeji, said the automation drive would strengthen quality assurance across tertiary institutions.
She added that universities depend on JAMB’s screening process, and enhanced transparency would lessen the need for post-UTME screenings.
In the same vein, Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University, Olayinka Kareem, described the initiative as a forward-thinking move that would boost confidence in the standard of students admitted into universities.
He observed that digitisation would ensure accurate documentation of test items and support proper assessment of candidates’ performance.
Also speaking, Vice-Chancellor of the African School of Economics, Mahfuz Adedimeji, said the training programme was designed to equip item writers with the expertise required to effectively utilise the new digital system.
He expressed optimism that the innovation would raise efficiency levels and improve the overall quality of UTME questions.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the training attracted advisers, directors and test developers from universities, polytechnics and secondary schools nationwide.
