By Our Correspondent
National News – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned candidates who registered for the 2026 mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) that failure to attend the test may attract sanctions.
The board issued the warning on Monday through its weekly bulletin, stating that candidates who secure a slot but fail to show up deny other interested participants the opportunity to take part in the preparatory examination.
According to JAMB, the mock UTME is designed as a preparatory exercise to help candidates familiarise themselves with the computer-based testing system before the main examination.
However, the board stressed that participation is limited to a specific number of candidates.
As a result, candidates who indicate interest but later stay away from the test disrupt planning and waste valuable slots meant for others.
The board explained that the 2026 mock UTME will take place on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at designated computer-based test centres across Nigeria.
Candidates who registered for the exercise are expected to attend the sessions at their assigned centres and follow the scheduled time strictly.
JAMB also revealed that the duration of this year’s mock examination will be extended compared to previous years.
Traditionally lasting two hours, the board said the 2026 mock UTME will run for about four hours in total to give candidates more exposure to the CBT environment and examination process.
The exercise will feature two sessions on the same day. The first session will run from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., while the second session will hold from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Candidates are expected to participate in both sessions to gain full experience of the testing format.
JAMB emphasised that the adjustment aims to improve candidates’ readiness for the main UTME examination by allowing them to practice navigation, timing, and response techniques within the computer-based testing environment.
The board therefore advised all registered candidates to make adequate arrangements to attend the mock examination, warning that absence after confirming participation may lead to appropriate disciplinary consequences.
