2026 UTME Not Postponed — JAMB Warns Candidates Against Fake Announcement: The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially clarified that the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has not been postponed, dismissing a viral announcement currently circulating online as false and misleading.
The examination body issued this clarification following widespread confusion among candidates after a fake press release claimed that the examination date had been shifted. JAMB described the notice as malicious and urged candidates and the general public to ignore it completely.
For thousands of students preparing for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, this announcement serves as an important reminder to rely only on verified information from official sources.
JAMB Dismisses Viral Postponement Notice
In an official statement released on Saturday, JAMB stated that the alleged postponement notice did not originate from the board. According to the agency, the false information was deliberately circulated to mislead candidates and create unnecessary panic.
The board emphasized that all arrangements for the 2026 UTME remain intact and no changes have been made to the examination schedule.
JAMB advised candidates to disregard any updates shared through unofficial social media pages, forwarded WhatsApp messages, or unverified online platforms. The board reiterated that accurate information regarding the UTME will always be communicated through its official channels and trusted media outlets.
This move aligns with JAMB’s ongoing efforts to maintain transparency and protect candidates from misinformation capable of disrupting their academic plans.
Official 2026 UTME Examination Date
JAMB confirmed that the 2026 UTME will hold as earlier scheduled, running from:
Thursday, April 16, to Saturday, April 25, 2026
Candidates are therefore encouraged to continue their preparation without fear or uncertainty. Education stakeholders have also advised students to avoid distractions and focus on revision, practice tests, and familiarization with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format.
Maintaining awareness through reliable updates is essential, especially during examination periods when false information spreads quickly online.
Report on the 2026 UTME Mock Examination
The clarification comes shortly after the successful conduct of the 2026 UTME Mock examination held on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The mock exercise is designed to help candidates understand the CBT environment and reduce examination anxiety before the main test.
According to data released by JAMB:
- A total of 224,597 candidates registered for the mock examination.
- 152,586 candidates successfully sat for the test.
The exercise took place across 989 CBT centres nationwide.
Although the mock examination was largely successful, JAMB acknowledged that some centres experienced technical difficulties during the process.
As part of quality assurance measures, the board revealed that over 20 CBT centres affected by technical challenges have been delisted due to technical inadequacies. This decision, according to JAMB, is aimed at ensuring a smoother and more reliable experience during the main UTME.
JAMB Warns Candidates Against Score Manipulation Scams
Beyond addressing the postponement rumour, JAMB also issued a strong warning concerning fraudulent individuals and groups claiming they can help candidates inflate or upgrade their UTME scores.
The board described such claims as criminal and entirely false. It stressed that the UTME system is secure and cannot be manipulated by external agents.
Candidates were warned that engaging with fraudsters could lead to serious penalties, including:
- Cancellation of registration
- Withholding of examination results
- Possible disqualification from admission processes
JAMB encouraged candidates to remain vigilant and report suspicious messages or offers promising score upgrades.
Why Candidates Must Verify Information Before Acting
In recent years, misinformation has become increasingly common during major national examinations. Fake announcements often spread quickly through messaging platforms, causing confusion and unnecessary anxiety among candidates.
Experts advise students to develop the habit of verifying updates before sharing or acting on them. Checking official announcements helps candidates avoid scams, missed deadlines, or poor preparation decisions based on inaccurate information.
Reliable preparation, consistent study habits, and awareness of authentic updates remain the safest approach toward success in the UTME.
Also Read:
- How to Print 2026 JAMB Mock Slip: Step-by-Step Guide for Candidates
- JAMB-UTME Chemistry Syllabus – Simplified and Organized for Easy Revision
- How To Check JAMB Center, Date and Exam Time (JAMB reprinting slip)
Final Advice to 2026 UTME Candidates
With JAMB confirming that the examination will proceed as scheduled, candidates should remain focused and avoid distractions caused by online rumours. This period should be used for intensive revision, practicing past questions, and strengthening weak subject areas.
Staying informed through credible education platforms and official announcements will help candidates navigate the admission process smoothly and confidently.
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