Nigeria's 2026 mock UTME marred by technical failures and delays

Frustrated candidates and parents demand answers after system crashes and poor planning derailed Nigeria's critical mock exams. Will JAMB fix this before the real test?

, and Administrator

2026 March 29 . 5:01 PM

1 min read

The image shows three men standing next to each other in front of a projector screen, wearing... — The image shows three men standing next to each other in front of a projector screen, wearing different colored dresses and caps. In the background, there is a banner attached to the wall, suggesting that the men are gathered to discuss the need for a better education system in Nigeria.

Nigeria's 2026 mock UTME marred by technical failures and delays

The 2026 mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) faced widespread disruptions on Saturday, March 28. Over 227,000 candidates sat for the test, but technical failures and logistical problems left many unable to complete it on time. Parents and educators have since criticised the delays and poor communication from organisers. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) confirmed that 187 Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centres across Nigeria experienced technical issues. Reports from Lagos highlighted persistent system errors, with multiple candidates unable to log in or submit answers. Social media users, including @AdeolaL74315288, documented crashes and frozen screens at several locations.

Network failures were widely blamed for the delays. @kayodeakinyemy linked the problems to connectivity issues, while @quwam001, an educator, noted that many students faced interruptions mid-exam. In Nasarawa State, some candidates waited until 11:28 a.m. for an 8:00 a.m. test, cutting their allotted time short. Logistical challenges added to the chaos. @KingsleyAdabhie reported that certain centres could not accommodate all registered candidates, forcing some to miss the exam entirely. Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare, stated that technical glitches prevented a significant number of students from participating at all. The mock UTME, designed to prepare candidates for the main exam, was held ahead of the official UTME, scheduled for April 16–25, 2026. Parents expressed frustration over the lack of updates, leaving students and families uncertain about next steps.

The disruptions affected thousands of candidates relying on the mock exam for practice. JAMB has yet to announce whether affected students will receive alternative arrangements. With the main UTME approaching, concerns remain about the reliability of the testing system.