JAMB Admits 2026 Mock UTME Glitches, Promises Comprehensive Review 🎓🖥️
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially acknowledged technical glitches that disrupted the 2026 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) held on Saturday.
Thousands of candidates across the country faced server failures, power outages, and delayed start times, leaving some students waiting for hours before attempting the exam.
JAMB has promised a comprehensive review of the exercise to address these issues and ensure a smoother experience for the main UTME, scheduled to begin on April 16, 2026.
JAMB’s Statement on the Mock UTME
Speaking in a bulletin released on Monday, JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin explained that the mock exam was intended to:
- Help students familiarise themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment
- Allow JAMB to assess its level of preparedness for the April UTME
“While the exercise was largely successful, a few centres experienced technical failures. This underscores the importance of the mock examination,” JAMB said.
The 2026 mock UTME included two sessions:
- A primary mock examination
- A second session for additional hands-on practice
Centers that fail to meet standards during the mock exam may be delisted from hosting future exams.
What Went Wrong During the Mock UTME
Reports from across the country highlighted several challenges:
- Server crashes at some CBT centres
- Power outages causing delays
- Students waiting hours before starting the exam
- Some centres unable to complete testing, sending students home early
For example, at Quiblaminds Comprehensive CBT Centre, Abule Egba, Lagos, one candidate managed to attempt only four questions before the server failed, forcing the centre to close around 3 p.m.
These issues caused frustration among candidates and parents, with some questioning the credibility of the exam. Social media users described the situation as “intolerable” and a “mockery of a mock exam.”
The Importance of the Mock UTME
Despite the glitches, the mock UTME serves a crucial purpose:
- Allows students to experience the CBT format before the main exam
- Helps students manage stress and time during the actual test
- Enables JAMB to identify weaknesses in exam centres
- Provides an opportunity for hands-on practice before April
Participating in the mock exam also ensures candidates understand how to navigate the online testing environment, which is essential for success in the main UTME.
JAMB’s Next Steps
JAMB has assured candidates that it will:
- Conduct a thorough review of the mock exam exercise
- Take corrective action against centres that underperformed
- Ensure future exams run smoothly
- Encourage candidates to use lessons from the mock exam to improve performance
The Board also reminded candidates that absence from the mock UTME after indicating interest may attract sanctions, highlighting the importance of attending the next exam.
Advice for Candidates
- Use the experience from the mock exam to identify areas to improve
- Familiarise yourself with the CBT system to avoid stress during the main exam
- Follow official JAMB updates to stay informed about schedules, rules, and announcements
- Plan your exam day carefully to avoid delays or last-minute stress
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Mock UTME may have had technical glitches, but it remains an important exercise for both candidates and JAMB.
- Students benefit from real exam practice
- JAMB identifies areas needing improvement
- Corrective measures will make the main UTME more reliable and efficient
Candidates should stay focused, prepared, and follow official communications to ensure success in the April UTME.