The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) plans to accredit 1,039 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Nigeria for the 2026 admission examination.

The JAMB Registrar, Professor Is’haq Oloyede, shared this information while speaking to journalists in Ilorin. He spoke during a five-day tour to inspect and accredit CBT centres. He explained that JAMB has set up 52 examination teams to re-accredit centres or disqualify those that do not meet the required standards.

According to him, JAMB carries out this inspection every year to make sure all centres meet the rules. He stressed that a centre approved in a previous year does not automatically qualify again. Each centre must pass the accreditation process every year.

Professor Oloyede said the exercise has been smooth so far, with only a few problematic cases. He noted that some CBT centres involved in examination malpractice last year tried to return this year by changing their names or locations. However, JAMB has taken strong steps to stop this.

He explained that JAMB is working with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to prevent directors of failed CBT centres from operating again anywhere in the country. Through access to CAC records and National Identification Numbers (NIN), JAMB can identify and block such individuals from registering new centres.

He also added that any staff or proctors involved in malpractice have been identified through their NINs. Such individuals are not allowed to work in any CBT centre again. Any centre that engages them will not be approved by JAMB.

In addition, JAMB has introduced a new rule concerning computer systems. Any computer linked to a delisted CBT centre will never be allowed back into JAMB’s examination system, even if sold to another centre. Once a centre, staff member, or equipment is implicated, it is permanently blocked.

Professor Oloyede revealed that JAMB has discovered two cases where this rule was violated. Investigations are ongoing, and security agencies have been invited to take action. He said the offences go beyond JAMB rules and also break Nigerian laws.

Speaking on the accreditation standards, the chief technical adviser for the Kwara State team, Professor Veronica Mejabi, said JAMB uses both hard and soft criteria to assess CBT centres.

She explained that hard criteria include proper network setup to allow quick problem-solving during exams. Centres must also have backup power systems such as inverters and generators in case of electricity failure.

The soft criteria include waiting areas for candidates, clean toilet facilities inside and outside the exam hall, and CCTV cameras for monitoring examinations.

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), who led one of the inspection teams, also warned candidates against cheating. He advised students to avoid examination malpractice, saying anyone caught cheating will face serious consequences.