FG Proposes March 2027 UTME, Targets September for Tertiary Admissions

The Federal Government has proposed a new timetable for major examinations in Nigeria in 2027, with the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) expected to take place in March and other national examinations scheduled between April and July.

The proposed schedule is aimed at ensuring the timely release of examination results and allowing qualified candidates to begin admission processes into tertiary institutions by September 2027.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) disclosed the proposed timetable on Thursday, October 22, 2026, through its social media platforms.

Under the proposed arrangement, the 2027 UTME will hold from March 15 to March 25.

The National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination is scheduled for April 1 to May 14, while the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination is expected to run from May 11 to June 18.

Meanwhile, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examination is proposed for June 1 to July 5, while the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) examination is scheduled to take place from June 10 to July 9.

JAMB explained that the Federal Government was collaborating with the examination bodies to harmonise their schedules and minimise clashes between examinations.

According to the board, the initiative is also designed to improve coordination among the agencies, speed up the release of results and ensure that eligible candidates can begin securing admission into universities and other tertiary institutions by September 2027.

The proposed timetable could provide students with a clearer academic calendar and help institutions plan their admission exercises more efficiently.

However, JAMB cautioned that the announced dates are still provisional and have not been confirmed as the final examination schedule.

The board advised candidates, parents and other stakeholders to follow official announcements from JAMB, WAEC, NECO and the other examination bodies for further updates.