Last Updated on 3 months ago by Haruna Ayuba
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has temporarily suspended the selection of examination towns for candidates registering for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Ekiti State pending urgent adjustments to the examination center configuration.
- Key Highlights
- What This Means for UTME Candidates
- Why JAMB Suspended Town Selection in Ekiti State
- JAMB's Explanation: Key Points
- What Happens Next
- Timeline
- Alternative Options for Candidates
- What JAMB Wants Candidates to Know
- How to Stay Updated
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Important Reminders for All 2026 UTME Candidates
- JAMB Contact Information
- What This Teaches About JAMB's Commitment
- Final Advice for Affected Candidates
Key Highlights
- Affected State: Ekiti State only
- Examination: 2026 UTME
- Status: Town selection SUSPENDED temporarily
- Reason: Structural anomalies in examination town configuration
- Duration: Until adjustments are completed (expected to be concluded shortly)
- Announced By: Fabian Benjamin, Ph.D.JP, JAMB Registrar/PCA
- Action: Candidates cannot select any examination town in Ekiti State during this period
What This Means for UTME Candidates
For Candidates Who Want to Write in Ekiti State:
| Status | What You Should Do |
|---|---|
| Not Yet Registered | Wait until JAMB concludes the adjustment process before selecting Ekiti State towns |
| Already Registered (Other States) | No action needed – you are not affected |
| Want to Change to Ekiti | Cannot change to Ekiti towns until suspension is lifted |
Impact Summary:
- Candidates cannot select any examination town in Ekiti State while the adjustment process is ongoing
- This affects only Ekiti State – all other states remain unaffected
- The restriction is temporary and will be lifted shortly
Why JAMB Suspended Town Selection in Ekiti State
According to the official statement from JAMB:
Reason 1: Structural Anomalies Detected
JAMB discovered certain structural problems in the configuration of examination towns in Ekiti State after the 2026 UTME registration had already commenced.
Reason 2: Need for Restructuring
The Board needs to restructure the examination towns to ensure:
- Closer proximity to candidates – Reducing travel distance
- Easier transportation – Minimizing challenges on examination days
- Better center assignment – Optimal distribution of candidates
Reason 3: Candidate Interest
The adjustments are being made in the interest of candidates to improve their examination experience and reduce logistical challenges.
JAMB’s Explanation: Key Points
| Issue | JAMB’s Position |
|---|---|
| When anomalies were detected | After 2026 UTME registration had commenced |
| Nature of problem | Structural anomalies in examination town configuration |
| Necessity | Urgent adjustments required to ease transportation challenges |
| Candidate choice | Normally, candidates can select towns closest to their locations |
| Current restriction | Temporary inability to select Ekiti State towns |
| Expected duration | Process expected to be concluded shortly |
| JAMB’s commitment | Making improvements to treat all candidates with dignity and respect |
What Happens Next
Step 1: JAMB Restructures Examination Towns
- JAMB is currently working to reconfigure examination towns in Ekiti State
- Focus is on creating better proximity and accessibility for candidates
Step 2: Suspension Will Be Lifted
- Once adjustments are completed, the suspension will be lifted
- Candidates will be notified through official JAMB channels
Step 3: Normal Registration Resumes
- Ekiti State candidates can then select their preferred examination towns
- Registration process continues as normal
Timeline
| Phase | Status | Expected Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Anomaly Detection | Completed | Before announcement |
| Suspension Announcement | Current | February 3, 2026 |
| Restructuring Process | Ongoing | Expected to conclude shortly |
| Resumption of Town Selection | Pending | To be announced |
Note: “Shortly” indicates the process should be completed within days or weeks, not months.
Alternative Options for Candidates
Option 1: Wait for Ekiti State
If you specifically want to write your UTME in Ekiti State:
- Wait for JAMB to conclude the adjustment process
- Monitor JAMB’s official website and social media for updates
- Proceed with town selection once suspension is lifted
Option 2: Select Another State
If you cannot wait or prefer to complete registration immediately:
- Select an examination town in a neighboring state
- Consider states close to Ekiti such as:
- Ondo State
- Osun State
- Kwara State
- Kogi State
Option 3: Change Later (If Possible)
- Complete registration with another state
- Monitor JAMB for possible change of examination town window after Ekiti adjustments
- Note: JAMB typically allows limited changes, often for a fee
What JAMB Wants Candidates to Know
JAMB’s Apology
The Board regrets any inconvenience this temporary measure may cause candidates wishing to select examination towns in Ekiti State.
JAMB’s Commitment
- Continuously monitors its operations
- Promptly addresses challenges reported by candidates
- Committed to making necessary improvements
- Ensures all candidates are treated with dignity and respect
Candidate Rights
Candidates are normally allowed to:
- Select examination towns of their choice
- Choose towns closest to their locations
- This right is only temporarily suspended for Ekiti State
How to Stay Updated
Monitor these official JAMB channels for updates on when the suspension will be lifted:
| Channel | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | www.jamb.gov.ng |
| JAMB Portal | Check your registration dashboard for notifications |
| Social Media | Follow JAMB’s verified social media accounts |
| SMS Alerts | JAMB may send SMS to registered candidates |
| News Media | Watch for official press releases |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this affect my registration if I’m not from Ekiti State?
No. This suspension only affects candidates who want to select examination towns in Ekiti State. All other states are operating normally.
Can I still register for UTME if I’m from Ekiti State?
Yes, you can still register. You simply need to select an examination town in another state or wait until the suspension is lifted.
Will JAMB extend the registration deadline because of this?
This has not been stated. The adjustment is expected to be concluded shortly, within the normal registration period.
If I already selected an Ekiti town before the suspension, will it be changed?
The announcement suggests the suspension came after anomalies were detected post-registration commencement. If you already have a town selected, monitor JAMB communications for any updates.
How will I know when I can select Ekiti towns again?
JAMB will announce through official channels (website, social media, SMS) when the adjustment is complete and town selection resumes.
Can I select a town very close to Ekiti border in another state?
Yes, this is a good alternative. Consider towns in neighboring states that are close to your location.
What if I need to write in Ekiti for special reasons?
Contact JAMB directly through their help desk or customer service for guidance on your specific situation.
Important Reminders for All 2026 UTME Candidates
- Keep Your Registration Number Safe – You’ll need it throughout the process
- Upload Correct Documents – Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and accurate
- Check Your Email Regularly – JAMB sends important updates via email
- Monitor JAMB Portal – Log in regularly for notifications and updates
- Complete Registration Early – Don’t wait until the last minute
- Print Your Registration Slip – After completing registration
- Verify All Details – Ensure name, date of birth, and subjects are correct
JAMB Contact Information
For inquiries, clarification, or assistance:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.jamb.gov.ng |
| Help Desk | Available on JAMB portal |
| JAMB Offices | Visit any JAMB state office |
| Official Email | Check JAMB website for current contact email |
| Social Media | Follow verified JAMB accounts |
What This Teaches About JAMB’s Commitment
This temporary suspension, while inconvenient, demonstrates:
- Proactive Problem-Solving – JAMB detected issues and acted before they caused bigger problems on exam day
- Candidate-Centered Approach – The restructuring aims to improve candidate experience
- Transparency – JAMB publicly communicated the issue and reason
- Continuous Improvement – The Board monitors operations and makes necessary adjustments
Final Advice for Affected Candidates
Stay Calm and Patient: This is a temporary administrative adjustment designed to improve your examination experience.
Act Wisely: Consider your options carefully:
- If you can wait, monitor JAMB for updates
- If you need to register immediately, select a neighboring state
Stay Informed: Keep checking official JAMB channels for the announcement that town selection in Ekiti State has resumed.
Prepare for UTME: While this is being sorted out, focus on your examination preparation. The most important thing is scoring high, regardless of which town you write in.
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