JAMB Approves Use Of Personal Computers For UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will start permitting candidates to utilize their personal computers for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) beginning in 2027.

This information was revealed on Monday by JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, during the 2026 Policy Meeting regarding Admissions into Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja.

He mentioned that candidates would be permitted to use their own devices during the examination, but a flash drive would be used to prevent cheating.

Oloyede clarified that this option would be more economical and easier to oversee, addressing issues raised by candidates who frequently report their computers shutting down during exams.

He stated that this initiative is intended to enhance convenience while ensuring the exam's integrity is upheld.

He also mentioned that additional innovations that are currently 90 percent complete will be implemented in 2027.

In the meantime, the Federal Ministry of Education has declared that candidates wishing to gain admission into Federal Colleges of Education will no longer be mandated to take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

News reports that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, shared this update on Monday during the 2026 Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja.

Alausa stated that the exemption would extend to candidates planning to enroll in technology, agriculture, and related fields.

He elaborated that this decision is meant to facilitate access to essential education and skill-oriented programs.

However, the minister specified that the candidates affected must hold the necessary basic O’Level qualifications.