The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has adjusted the arrival and examination times for candidates sitting the first session of the 2027 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), citing safety and logistical concerns.

Under the new arrangement, candidates for the first session are now expected to arrive at their designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres by 7:30am, instead of the earlier scheduled 6:30am.

The examination will commence at 8:30am and end at 10:30am.

JAMB announced the adjustment in its weekly bulletin released in Abuja, saying the decision was taken to address concerns over candidates travelling to examination centres in the very early hours of the morning.

The board said the issue was particularly important for candidates travelling considerable distances to their centres, some of whom would have to leave their homes before dawn to meet the previous 6:30am arrival time.

According to JAMB, the decision followed deliberations at its 2026 Management and IT Retreat held in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, from September 6 to 11.

The retreat considered concerns raised by members of the public regarding the implications of the early arrival requirement and the difficulties candidates could face while travelling in the early hours.

JAMB said moving the reporting time forward would improve the safety and convenience of candidates and potentially reduce absenteeism caused by difficulties associated with early-morning travel. (Daily Trust)