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Skip Mock UTME, Face Penalties — JAMB Issues Strong Warning to Candidates

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 24th, 2026.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has cautioned candidates registered for the 2026 mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) against failing to show up, warning that absenteeism could attract sanctions.

The warning was contained in the board’s latest weekly bulletin released on Monday, where it stressed that candidates who indicate interest but fail to participate ultimately deny others the opportunity to benefit from the limited slots available. According to The Punch and The Nation Newspaper, the examination body has increasingly emphasized accountability among candidates to ensure fairness in its preparatory exercises.

“Candidates who register and do not attend the mock examination risk facing appropriate consequences,” the board stated, urging all affected individuals to make adequate preparations for the exercise scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2026.

JAMB reiterated that while the mock UTME remains optional, participation is capped, making each allocated slot significant. The board noted that the exercise is designed to help candidates familiarize themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system ahead of the main UTME.

In a notable change this year, the mock examination will run longer than in previous editions. Traditionally conducted within two hours, the 2026 version will span four hours, offering candidates more time and exposure to the CBT environment. Reports monitored by Daily Trust and The Guardian Nigeria suggest that this adjustment is part of broader efforts to improve candidates’ confidence and reduce examination anxiety.

The mock test will be conducted in two back-to-back sessions on the same day, with the first session scheduled 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 take part in both sessions as part of the enhanced preparation process.

JAMB maintained that the revised format is aimed at equipping candidates with practical experience and ensuring they are better prepared for the main examination, while also reinforcing discipline among participants.