As anticipation builds across Nigeria’s education sector, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the commencement of examination slip printing for candidates registered for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), setting the stage for one of the country’s most critical academic exercises.
The announcement, made on Thursday, marks a significant milestone in the countdown to the examination, as millions of candidates nationwide prepare to take the decisive test that will shape their admission into tertiary institutions. In a statement released through its official communication channels, JAMB urged all registered candidates to promptly visit its website and print their examination slips, which contain vital details required for participation.
According to the board, the examination slip is more than just a document—it is the candidate’s official pass into the examination hall. It includes essential information such as the examination date, time, and designated centre. Without it, candidates will not be granted access to sit for the exam.
“Examination Slip Printing is now available. The slip contains details of the venue, date and time of your examination and gives you access to the examination hall,” the board stated, emphasizing the importance of early preparation and compliance.
Candidates have been directed to visit the official JAMB portal at jamb.gov.ng and click on the “2026 Slip Printing” option. The process, which is entirely online, is expected to be seamless, although candidates are advised to avoid last-minute rushes that could lead to technical difficulties or unnecessary anxiety.
The development comes amid recent confusion sparked by a widely circulated fake press release that falsely claimed the UTME had been postponed. The misleading information spread rapidly across social media platforms, causing panic among candidates and parents alike.
JAMB was quick to respond, dismissing the report as entirely fabricated. The board described the viral notice as “malicious and fake,” warning the public against falling victim to misinformation. It reassured candidates that there had been no changes to the examination schedule and that all official updates would only be communicated through verified channels.
The incident has once again highlighted the growing challenge of fake news in the digital age, particularly in matters as sensitive as national examinations. Education stakeholders have called for increased vigilance, urging candidates to rely solely on credible sources for information.
For many candidates, the opening of slip printing signals the beginning of the final phase of preparation. Across homes, schools, and study centres, the atmosphere is charged with a mix of excitement and nervous anticipation. Students are revising notes, practicing past questions, and mentally preparing for the examination day.
Parents and guardians, too, are playing their part—offering support, encouragement, and in some cases, logistical arrangements to ensure their wards arrive at their designated centres on time. In urban areas especially, concerns about distance and traffic have prompted early planning to avoid delays.
Education experts have advised candidates to carefully review the details on their slips immediately after printing. Any discrepancies, they warn, should be reported to JAMB without delay to prevent complications on the day of the examination.
They also stress the importance of visiting the examination centre ahead of time, if possible, to become familiar with the location. Such preparation, they note, can significantly reduce anxiety and improve performance.
Beyond logistics, the UTME remains a defining moment in the academic journey of Nigerian students. It is a gateway to universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, and competition for admission is often intense. As such, candidates are encouraged to approach the examination with focus, discipline, and confidence.
JAMB, on its part, has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a smooth and transparent examination process. Over the years, the board has introduced various technological innovations aimed at enhancing credibility and reducing malpractice, including the use of computer-based testing (CBT) centres nationwide.
As the examination date draws closer, the message from the board is clear: stay informed, stay prepared, and disregard unverified information.
For the millions of candidates hoping to secure a place in Nigeria’s higher institutions, the journey has entered its most crucial stage—and it all begins with a printed slip.
