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).

Under the revised schedule, candidates are expected to arrive at their designated computer-based test (CBT) centres by 7:30am, instead of the previously scheduled 6:30am. The examination will begin at 8:30am and end at 10:30am.

The board announced the adjustment in its weekly bulletin released in Abuja, saying the decision was aimed at addressing safety and logistical concerns associated with candidates travelling very early in the morning.

JAMB said the concerns were particularly relevant to candidates who travel considerable distances to their examination centres and may have to leave home before dawn.

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

The retreat considered concerns raised by members of the public about the implications of the earlier arrival time, including the difficulties candidates could face travelling in the early hours of the morning.

JAMB said moving the arrival time forward would improve candidates’ safety and convenience and could reduce absenteeism caused by difficulties associated with the previous schedule.

The board added that other examination sessions would continue to follow its established scheduling arrangements.

The adjustment was among the outcomes of deliberations at the retreat, which brought together JAMB management, state coordinators, heads of outstation offices, and other relevant stakeholders.

Participants examined measures to improve the efficiency, safety, credibility, and overall candidate experience of the UTME, particularly in view of the increasing scale and complexity of the examination.

Although the 2027 UTME is still months away, JAMB said preparations had already commenced, with efforts focused on applying lessons from previous examinations and implementing decisions reached at the retreat.

The board said its objective was to deliver a more efficient, seamless, and candidate-friendly examination.

Candidates and the general public were advised to take note of the adjustment and await further official communication on the complete 2027 UTME timetable and other arrangements.