JAMB Sets June 13, 2026 for UTME Mop‑Up Exam, Says No Further Chances

Context The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is Nigeria’s standardized test for university admission, administered each year by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). In 2026 the main UTME ran from April 16 to April 23, drawing over 1.8 million candidates nationwide. A subset of those candidates could not sit the exam due to technical glitches, examination irregularities, or biometric verification failures, prompting JAMB to schedule a mop‑up exercise. The board traditionally offers this second chance to ensure that verified candidates are not penalized for issues beyond their control.

Key Facts JAMB announced that the mop‑up examination will take place on Saturday, June 13, 2026. It is reserved for candidates who were biometrically verified for the 2026 UTME but were unable to take the original test for any reason. The board emphasized that after this mop‑up exercise there will be no further opportunity to sit the 2026 UTME. Candidates are advised to print their Examination Notification Slips starting June 6, 2026, and to verify their examination centres before the test date.

What It Means For the affected candidates, the June 13 date marks their last chance to secure a UTME score that can be used for university applications in the 2026/2027 academic cycle. A successful mop‑up result will allow them to proceed with the standard admission process alongside peers who took the main exam. Universities typically begin screening UTME scores in July, so timely completion of the mop‑up is critical for meeting admission deadlines. The finality of the mop‑up also means that any unresolved issues after June 13 will have to be addressed through alternative routes such as direct entry, diploma programmes, or waiting for the 2027 UTME.

What to watch next Observers will monitor the actual turnout for the June 13 mop‑up and the speed at which JAMB releases results. The outcome may influence admission cutoffs for competitive courses and could prompt JAMB to review its contingency plans for future UTME cycles. Additionally, stakeholders will watch whether any policy changes emerge regarding biometric verification or technical infrastructure to reduce the need for mop‑up exams.