JAMB Threatens Sanctions for 2026 Mock UTME Absentees as Exam Time Extended to Four Hours
Following the recent announcement by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on the commencement of mock UTME slip printing, the examination body has now issued a stern warning to candidates who may fail to show up for the exercise, reinforcing the importance of commitment and accountability in the examination process.
JAMB stated that candidates who registered and secured slots for the 2026 mock UTME but fail to participate risk facing sanctions. According to the board, absenteeism not only undermines the purpose of the mock exercise but also unfairly deprives other interested candidates of limited opportunities to benefit from the preparatory test.
This development serves as a critical follow-up to the earlier directive urging candidates to print their examination slips and prepare adequately. While the mock UTME remains optional, JAMB emphasized that participation is strictly limited, making each reserved slot valuable and not to be wasted.
In a notable adjustment, the board also revealed that the 2026 mock UTME will now run longer than in previous years. Traditionally conducted over two hours, the exercise has been extended to four hours, with candidates expected to participate in two consecutive sessions on Saturday, March 28. This change is designed to deepen candidates’ familiarity with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format and enhance their readiness for the main UTME.
Parents and guardians are therefore urged to ensure that candidates who opted for the mock UTME not only print their slips but also honour their commitment by attending fully prepared and on time, as the examination process enters its decisive phase.
