The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to candidates ahead of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), releasing a detailed list of prohibited items and outlining strict penalties for examination malpractice.
The UTME is scheduled to commence nationwide on April 25, 2026, across accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
The board said the directive is part of renewed efforts to safeguard the credibility of its CBT system, stressing that any candidate found violating the rules risks disqualification and possible prosecution.
Among the items banned from examination halls are mobile phones, wristwatches, calculators, cameras, and all forms of electronic devices. Others include storage devices such as flash drives and hard disks, as well as smart gadgets like spy glasses, smart lenses, Bluetooth devices, and wearable technology.
JAMB also prohibited candidates from bringing personal items such as bags, wallets, jewellery, and writing materials other than the approved HB pencil. The board emphasised that candidates would undergo strict biometric verification at centres and are expected to arrive early for screening.
Highlighting the consequences of misconduct, JAMB noted that possession of banned items could lead to cancellation of results and prosecution under the Examination Malpractice Act. Cases of impersonation attract more severe sanctions, including a ban from future examinations and legal action.
Similarly, candidates involved in collusion, cheating, or result falsification face cancellation of results, possible suspension from subsequent UTME sittings, and prosecution. Violent behaviour at examination centres may also result in expulsion and extended bans.
JAMB urged candidates to comply fully with all guidelines, warning that ignorance of the rules would not be accepted as an excuse.
The 2026 UTME is expected to be conducted across accredited CBT centres nationwide.
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