{"id":11169,"date":"2026-04-16T17:53:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T17:53:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/?p=11169"},"modified":"2026-04-16T19:53:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T19:53:26","slug":"jamb-2026-day-1-update-what-happened-across-cbt-centres-in-nigeria-today-april-16-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-day-1-update-what-happened-across-cbt-centres-in-nigeria-today-april-16-report\/","title":{"rendered":"JAMB 2026 Day 1 UPDATE: What Happened Across CBT Centres in Nigeria Today (April 16 Report)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-day-1-update-what-happened-across-cbt-centres-in-nigeria-today-april-16-report\/#Early_Morning_Turnout_and_Nationwide_Candidate_Rush\" >Early Morning Turnout and Nationwide Candidate Rush<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-day-1-update-what-happened-across-cbt-centres-in-nigeria-today-april-16-report\/#Hijab_Incident_at_Esther_Oshikoya_CBT_Centre_Ibadan\" >Hijab Incident at Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre, Ibadan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-day-1-update-what-happened-across-cbt-centres-in-nigeria-today-april-16-report\/#Smooth_and_Coordinated_Start_in_Abuja_Centres\" >Smooth and Coordinated Start in Abuja Centres<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-day-1-update-what-happened-across-cbt-centres-in-nigeria-today-april-16-report\/#Heavy_Security_Deployment_Across_Lagos_CBT_Centres\" >Heavy Security Deployment Across Lagos CBT Centres<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-day-1-update-what-happened-across-cbt-centres-in-nigeria-today-april-16-report\/#Calm_but_Heavily_Guarded_Centres_in_Osun_State\" >Calm but Heavily Guarded Centres in Osun State<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-day-1-update-what-happened-across-cbt-centres-in-nigeria-today-april-16-report\/#Centre_Allocation_Concerns_Raised_in_Jos\" >Centre Allocation Concerns Raised in Jos<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-day-1-update-what-happened-across-cbt-centres-in-nigeria-today-april-16-report\/#Strict_Biometric_Verification_and_Anti-Malpractice_Measures\" >Strict Biometric Verification and Anti-Malpractice Measures<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-day-1-update-what-happened-across-cbt-centres-in-nigeria-today-april-16-report\/#Gunmen_abduct_UTME_candidates_in_Benue_State\" >Gunmen abduct UTME candidates in Benue State<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-day-1-update-what-happened-across-cbt-centres-in-nigeria-today-april-16-report\/#Impact_of_Delisted_CBT_Centres_on_Day_1_Performance\" >Impact of Delisted CBT Centres on Day 1 Performance<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-day-1-update-what-happened-across-cbt-centres-in-nigeria-today-april-16-report\/#Overall_Assessment_of_JAMB_2026_Day_1\" >Overall Assessment of JAMB 2026 Day 1<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-day-1-update-what-happened-across-cbt-centres-in-nigeria-today-april-16-report\/#Candidates_Feedback\" >Candidates Feedback<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, officially kicked off today, April 16, across Nigeria, with over 2.2 million candidates sitting for the examination in 966 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While early reports described the exercise as largely smooth, a closer look at activities across different states reveals a mix of efficient coordination, heightened security, candidate concerns, and notable centre-specific incidents that shaped Day 1 of the examination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Early_Morning_Turnout_and_Nationwide_Candidate_Rush\"><\/span>Early Morning Turnout and Nationwide Candidate Rush<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across multiple states, candidates arrived at their CBT centres very early in the morning, many before the 7:00 AM reporting time set for the first session. This led to long queues at several centres as candidates waited to complete biometric verification before gaining access into the exam halls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the early arrival directive helped maintain order, it also created stress for candidates, especially those who had to travel long distances. In some centres, the verification process and rainfall caused minor delays, but overall, the situation was managed without major disruptions to the exam schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Hijab_Incident_at_Esther_Oshikoya_CBT_Centre_Ibadan\"><\/span>Hijab Incident at Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre, Ibadan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most significant incidents of the day occurred in Ibadan at the Esther Oshikoya CBT Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A female candidate wearing a hijab was reportedly stopped from entering the examination hall, sparking tension at the centre. The situation quickly drew attention from other candidates and officials present.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Following intervention by authorities from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, the issue was resolved, and the candidate was allowed to proceed with her examination. The incident has since become one of the most widely discussed moments of Day 1 across news platforms and social media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Smooth_and_Coordinated_Start_in_Abuja_Centres\"><\/span>Smooth and Coordinated Start in Abuja Centres<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Abuja, CBT centres recorded one of the most organized starts to the examination. Reports indicate that exams began on time, biometric verification processes worked efficiently, and there were no major technical or logistical disruptions. The coordination observed in Abuja positioned it as one of the standout locations for a hitch-free Day 1 experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Heavy_Security_Deployment_Across_Lagos_CBT_Centres\"><\/span>Heavy Security Deployment Across Lagos CBT Centres<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Lagos, security was a major highlight of the examination process.Police officers were deployed across CBT centres, with additional surveillance and monitoring measures introduced to ensure compliance with examination rules. The strong security presence reflects efforts to prevent malpractice and maintain the credibility of the UTME.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Calm_but_Heavily_Guarded_Centres_in_Osun_State\"><\/span>Calm but Heavily Guarded Centres in Osun State<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">CBT centres in Osogbo and Ile-Ife, Osun State, operated under tight security but remained calm and orderly throughout the day. Armed personnel were stationed at entrances, and candidates underwent proper checks before entry. Despite the visible security presence, there were no reported disruptions, and candidates were able to complete their exams without incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Centre_Allocation_Concerns_Raised_in_Jos\"><\/span>Centre Allocation Concerns Raised in Jos<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Jos, concerns emerged over the centre allocation system after a parent raised alarm about a candidate being posted to a different and potentially unsafe location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the issue did not interfere with the conduct of the examination, it sparked discussions online about candidate safety, logistics, and the challenges of being assigned to unfamiliar or distant centres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Strict_Biometric_Verification_and_Anti-Malpractice_Measures\"><\/span>Strict Biometric Verification and Anti-Malpractice Measures<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across all CBT centres nationwide, strict screening measures were enforced. Candidates were required to undergo biometric verification before entry, and those unable to complete the process risk rescheduling. These measures are part of JAMB\u2019s broader strategy to eliminate impersonation and examination malpractice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Gunmen_abduct_UTME_candidates_in_Benue_State\"><\/span>Gunmen abduct UTME candidates in Benue State<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Channels Television: While sources said 17 UTME candidates were abducted, the Benue State Commissioner of Police put the number at 14, adding that one person escaped. The incident took place along Markurdi \u2013 Otukpo road. Full news here: <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/xMbuMIcP5u\">https:\/\/t.co\/xMbuMIcP5u<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Impact_of_Delisted_CBT_Centres_on_Day_1_Performance\"><\/span>Impact of Delisted CBT Centres on Day 1 Performance<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ahead of the examination, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board delisted 23 CBT centres that failed to meet technical standards during the mock UTME.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This decision appears to have contributed to the relatively smooth experience reported in many centres today, with fewer technical issues recorded compared to previous years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Overall_Assessment_of_JAMB_2026_Day_1\"><\/span>Overall Assessment of JAMB 2026 Day 1 <span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across Nigeria, the first day of the 2026 UTME can be described as largely successful, with only minor challenges recorded.Many centres operated efficiently, supported by improved coordination and strong security presence. However, incidents such as the hijab controversy in Ibadan, early morning logistical stress, concerns over centre allocation in Jos, and minor biometric delays highlight areas that may require further attention as the examination continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read also: <a href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/6-costly-mistakes-jamb-2026-candidates-must-avoid-in-the-exam-hall\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11141\">6 Costly Mistakes JAMB 2026 Candidates Must Avoid in the Exam Hall<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/jamb-2026-exam-day-rules-list-of-banned-items-at-cbt-centres-full-guide\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"11146\">JAMB 2026 Exam Day Rules: List of Banned Items at CBT Centres (Full Guide)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Candidates_Feedback\"><\/span>Candidates Feedback<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"178\" src=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG-20260416-WA0007.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG-20260416-WA0007.jpg 720w, https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG-20260416-WA0007-300x74.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite news of smooth running operations across CBT centres, many centres across the country experienced technical difficulties leading to reschedule of exams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"205\" src=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG-20260416-WA0006.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11172\" srcset=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG-20260416-WA0006.jpg 720w, https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG-20260416-WA0006-300x85.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"969\" src=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG-20260416-WA0009-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11175\" srcset=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG-20260416-WA0009-1.jpg 720w, https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG-20260416-WA0009-1-223x300.jpg 223w, https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG-20260416-WA0009-1-539x725.jpg 539w, https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG-20260416-WA0009-1-368x495.jpg 368w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other candidates also drop advice for those writing the exam in the coming days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"350\" src=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG-20260416-WA0005.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11176\" srcset=\"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG-20260416-WA0005.jpg 720w, https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG-20260416-WA0005-300x146.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the UTME progresses over the coming days, more updates are expected regarding candidate experiences, centre performance, and overall coordination nationwide. Stay tuned for more updates in the coming days!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, officially kicked off today, April 16, across Nigeria, with over 2.2 million candidates sitting for the examination in 966 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide. While early reports described the exercise as largely smooth, a closer look at activities across different [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":8291,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[14532,8755,14312,14531,14533,9884,14536,12815,6900,14530,14535,14534,14529],"class_list":["post-11169","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-jamb","tag-how-to-reprint-jamb-exam-slip","tag-jamb-2026","tag-jamb-2026-update","tag-jamb-april-16-news","tag-jamb-day-1-update","tag-jamb-exam-updates","tag-jamb-exam-updates-nigeria","tag-jamb-latest-news-today","tag-jamb-portal","tag-jamb-reports","tag-jamb-result-2026","tag-utme-2026-report","tag-when-is-jamb-result-result-coming-out"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11169","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/21"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11169"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11169\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11181,"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11169\/revisions\/11181"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8291"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11169"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11169"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/examscholars.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11169"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}