The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the experience of candidates who register for and sit the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
JAMB Registrar and Chief Executive Professor Segun Aina said the board was reviewing and optimising its policies to strengthen public trust, improve transparency and reduce the difficulties candidates face during registration, examinations and the admission process.
According to a report published by Blueprint Newspapers on October 21, Aina made the remarks during an interaction with UTME candidates at JAMB’s Abuja Zonal Office as part of activities marking the board’s 2026 Customer Week.
He said the policy adjustments were focused on building trust and reducing the stress associated with the examination and admission process.
The announcement comes as candidates across Nigeria continue to rely on JAMB’s procedures when seeking admission into universities and other participating tertiary institutions.
For many young people, the UTME is an important stage in their educational journey. Difficulties with registration, examination arrangements or admission information can therefore create anxiety for candidates and their families.
Registration and Examination Challenges
Candidates preparing the UTME must complete registration, provide the required information and follow the examination board’s instructions.
The process can become stressful when students encounter technical problems, incomplete documentation, incorrect personal details or uncertainty about deadlines.
Candidates may also need to travel to approved centres and prepare for computer-based examinations, which require familiarity with the test format as well as knowledge of the subjects being examined.
Clear instructions and timely communication can help reduce confusion.
When candidates understand what is required, they are better positioned to complete their applications correctly and avoid preventable mistakes.
JAMB’s stated objective of reducing candidate stress highlights the importance of making information accessible and procedures easier to understand.
However, improvements must be reflected in the experience of candidates rather than measured only by the number of policies announced.
Building Public Trust Through Transparency
Public trust is important for any examination body because candidates need confidence that procedures are consistent and that their results and admission prospects are handled fairly.
Transparency involves communicating requirements clearly, providing accurate information and explaining decisions through appropriate channels.
Candidates should be able to understand registration requirements, examination rules, result procedures and the steps involved in securing admission.
When information is unclear or changes are not properly communicated, students may rely on unofficial sources that can spread inaccurate advice.
Clear public communication can help reduce these risks.
It can also make it easier for parents, school administrators and guidance counsellors to support candidates.
JAMB’s commitment to improving transparency therefore has implications for the wider education system, not only for students who sit the UTME.
Admissions Require Coordination With Institutions
JAMB plays a central role in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process, but admission decisions also involve the institutions receiving applicants.
Universities and other tertiary institutions have their own approved admission requirements and processes, operating within the relevant regulatory framework.
Candidates must therefore pay attention to both JAMB’s instructions and the requirements of their preferred institutions.
Accurate information about subject combinations, programme eligibility, screening requirements and admission deadlines is essential.
Students who misunderstand these requirements may apply for programmes for which they do not qualify or miss important steps.
Improving coordination and communication between JAMB and institutions could help candidates understand the process more clearly.
It would also help reduce the spread of misleading claims about admission status or guaranteed placement.
Technology Can Help, but Support Remains Necessary
Digital platforms have changed the way candidates register for examinations, access information and follow their admission progress.
Online systems can make services more accessible and reduce the need for unnecessary physical visits.
However, technology can also create difficulties for candidates who have limited internet access, unreliable electricity or little experience using digital services.
Some students may need help correcting errors, understanding instructions or resolving technical issues.
An effective digital admissions system should therefore combine accessible technology with reliable support channels.
Candidate assistance should be easy to locate, and students should know how to seek help when something goes wrong.
Clear guidance can also discourage candidates from paying unauthorised intermediaries who claim they can guarantee examination results or admission.
What Candidates Should Do
Candidates can help reduce avoidable difficulties by preparing early and using official information when making decisions.
They should check personal details carefully during registration, confirm the requirements of their preferred institutions and keep relevant documents secure.
Students should also follow official announcements about deadlines, examination arrangements and admission procedures.
They should avoid relying on social media claims that promise guaranteed admission or offer unofficial shortcuts.
Where an issue arises, candidates should seek clarification through authorised JAMB channels or their institutions.
These steps cannot eliminate every problem, but they can help students avoid errors caused by misinformation or poor preparation.
JAMB has pledged to improve the candidate experience through policy optimisation aimed at building trust, strengthening transparency and reducing stress.
The commitment is important for Nigerian students who depend on the UTME and admissions process to pursue tertiary education.
The next step is to translate the stated goals into practical improvements that candidates can experience during registration, examinations and admission decisions.
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