The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has adjusted the arrival time for candidates sitting the first session of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Under the revised arrangement, candidates writing the first session are now expected to arrive at their designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:30am, instead of the previously scheduled 6:30am.
The examination will commence at 8:30am and end at 10:30am.
Why JAMB changed the 2027 UTME arrival time
JAMB said the decision was taken to address safety and logistical concerns associated with candidates travelling to examination centres in the early hours of the morning.
The Board explained that the earlier reporting time posed difficulties for candidates, particularly those who have to travel long distances to their assigned CBT centres.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by JAMB spokesperson and Acting Director, Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the adjustment followed deliberations at the Board’s 2026 Management and Information Technology Retreat, held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from September 6 to 11.
According to him, the Board considered concerns raised by members of the public over the implications of requiring candidates to travel before dawn.
He said moving the arrival time to 7:30am would provide candidates with a safer and more convenient journey to their examination centres.
New JAMB schedule for first-session candidatesUnder the new arrangement, candidates participating in the first session of the 2027 UTME are expected to arrive at their assigned CBT centres by 7:30am.
The examination will start at 8:30am and is scheduled to end at 10:30am.JAMB also expressed the expectation that the revised reporting time would reduce the number of candidates who miss their examinations because of transportation difficulties, distance and other challenges linked to early-morning movement.
Other 2027 UTME sessions remain unchangedHowever, JAMB clarified that the adjustment applies to the first examination session, while other UTME sessions will continue under their existing scheduling arrangements.
The Board said the decision formed part of the outcomes of discussions at the retreat, which brought together members of its management team, state coordinators, heads of outstation offices and other stakeholders.
The adjustment is expected to provide candidates with more time to travel safely to their centres while ensuring that the first session of the 2027 UTME begins as scheduled.
