The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has temporarily suspended the selection of examination towns for candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Ekiti State. The board announced the measure on Tuesday via a statement from its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, in Abuja.
The suspension is effective immediately, meaning candidates registering in Ekiti will be unable to choose their preferred examination town during the ongoing registration process. Benjamin explained that while the system normally allows candidates to select test centers closest to their residences, the 2026 registration cycle began before the board identified structural anomalies in the configuration of examination towns within Ekiti.
“The anomalies necessitated urgent adjustments in the interest of candidates, prompting the temporary suspension of town selection in the state,” Benjamin stated. He assured that the restructuring to correct these configuration issues is underway and will be concluded shortly. The board emphasized that this action is a proactive step to ensure proximity and reduce transportation challenges for candidates on examination day.
JAMB expressed regret for any inconvenience the suspension may cause affected candidates in Ekuti. The board highlighted its routine monitoring of operations and its commitment to promptly addressing reported challenges. This measure underscores JAMB’s stated dedication to continuously improving its registration and examination processes to ensure all candidates are treated with dignity and respect.
The UTME is Nigeria’s foremost entrance examination for tertiary institutions, with millions of candidates registering annually across the country. The seamless operation of the registration process, including town selection, is critical to the exam’s administration. This temporary halt in Ekiti reflects the board’s operational rigor in correcting system configurations before the 2026 examination. Candidates in Ekiti are advised to complete other registration requirements as the board finalizes the corrected list of available examination towns. Further updates will be communicated through official JAMB channels.
