JAMB Tightens UTME Rules, Withdraws Concessions For Albinism

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has scrapped special concessions and registration procedures previously granted to candidates with albinism for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, citing abuse of the privileges to perpetrate examination malpractice.

The decision was announced during a meeting between the board’s management, led by its Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, and Commissioners for Education from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

JAMB said the special arrangements, originally introduced to support candidates with visual and health-related challenges associated with albinism, had been repeatedly exploited by individuals seeking unfair advantage during the examination process.

According to the board, investigations revealed that the concessions were being manipulated through false claims and misuse of the registration system, compromising the integrity of the examination and forcing the board to discontinue the policy.

The concessions, which had been in place for several years, included modified registration procedures and tailored examination conditions for affected candidates.

Under the new directive, all candidates for the 2026 UTME will now be required to comply strictly with standard registration and examination guidelines.

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JAMB said legitimate medical and accessibility concerns would continue to be addressed under its general examination regulations.

Registration for the 2026 UTME is scheduled to commence on Monday, January 26, 2026, and will close on Friday, February 28, 2026, at approved computer-based test centres nationwide.

The board reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on examination malpractice, warning that any attempt to undermine the credibility of the examination would attract sanctions in line with its rules.

JAMB urged candidates and stakeholders to cooperate with the board to ensure a transparent and credible examination process as preparations for the 2026 UTME continue.