Thousands of candidates who missed the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination now have another chance to sit for the test.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, popularly known as JAMB, has fixed June 13, 2026, for the UTME mop-up examination.
The announcement comes after weeks of concern from affected candidates who were unable to complete the examination process during the main exercise.
JAMB confirmed the development in a statement released on Monday by its Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, in Abuja.
According to the board, the mop-up examination represents the final opportunity for affected candidates to participate in the 2026 UTME process.
The board explained that several centres faced technical difficulties during the examination period held between April 16 and April 23.
As a result, many candidates reportedly could not complete or even begin their examinations despite arriving at their assigned centres.
Furthermore, some results were later withdrawn following reports of examination malpractice and related infractions.
JAMB also revealed that some candidates who appeared for the examination could not be verified through biometric screening.
“The 2026 UTME was conducted from 16th to 23rd April. However, some centres experienced technical challenges which made it impossible for many candidates to sit the examination,” the statement read.
“In addition, some results were subsequently withdrawn over examination infractions, while some candidates who presented themselves for the examination could not be verified biometrically. All such candidates have been listed for the mop-up examination.”
The board stressed that the exercise would serve as the final phase of the yearly UTME exercise.
Moreover, JAMB urged affected candidates to begin preparations early ahead of the examination date.
“The mop-up examination represents the final phase of the annual UTME and serves as an opportunity to address all outstanding examination challenges involving candidates who duly presented themselves but encountered difficulties in taking the examination,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, candidates are expected to start printing their examination notification slips from Saturday, June 6, 2026.
The slips will contain important details including examination centres, reporting time, and other instructions.
In addition, JAMB advised candidates to visit their centres early and become familiar with the environment before the examination date.
Candidates were also warned that there would be no additional opportunity after the mop-up exercise.
“Candidates in this category are advised to begin printing their Examination Notification Slips from Saturday, 6th June 2026,” JAMB stated.
“Affected candidates are hereby urged to print their Examination Notification Slips, familiarise themselves with their examination centres, and make all necessary arrangements ahead of the examination date, as there will be no further opportunity for any candidate to sit the 2026 UTME after this mop-up exercise.”
The latest update has brought relief to many candidates and parents who feared missing the admission process completely.
