UTME 2026: JAMB Vows 'No Network Blackspots in Nigeria' for Live CBT Surveillance

Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has a big plan for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The board wants to watch all computer-based test (CBT) centres live through CCTV cameras. This will help stop cheating during exams. But some people worry about the weak internet in many places. JAMB says there is no problem. JAMB vows no network blackspots for live CBT surveillance. They insist every approved CBT centre has good network coverage.

On Monday, January 26, 2026, JAMB shared this policy in their weekly bulletin. All accredited CBT centres must install CCTV systems. These cameras must send live video feeds straight to JAMB’s headquarters in Abuja. If a centre cannot show live pictures all the time, it will face big trouble. JAMB will not let it register candidates or hold exams for UTME 2026. This rule aims to make exams fairer everywhere in Nigeria, even in areas with poor internet.

JAMB spokesperson Fabian Benjamin spoke to TechCabal about it. He said there is no place in Nigeria without network where they have a CBT centre. “Everywhere we have a centre, there is a network,” Benjamin explained. “If there is no network, there is no centre.” JAMB checks this before approving any centre. So, they believe the live CCTV plan will work without issues.

JAMB vows no network blackspots for live CBT surveillance

Many Nigerians worry because internet in the country is not always strong. In 2025, only 50% of people had broadband access. Big cities have better service, but rural areas often face problems. Networks can go down, speeds can be slow, and some places rely only on weak mobile signals. Critics think this new rule might shut out centres in far-away or poorly connected spots. They fear it could make it harder for students in those areas to take the exam. But JAMB sticks to their point: no approved centre lacks network.

To make things standard, JAMB wants all centres to use HIKVision CCTV hardware and software. This setup lets JAMB watch everything live from Abuja. Benjamin said staff at headquarters will check the feeds closely. “We are monitoring, and once we cannot see you, you are not live. You are cut off,” he warned. Centres that fail will lose their right to operate.

This plan also fights cheating between candidates and centres. JAMB looked into the 2025 UTME and found problems. Some candidates worked with CBT centres to cheat on registration. They tried to use fake or mixed fingerprints to sign up. Benjamin called this illegal. He said anyone caught will have their session cancelled and face court. “Once you are caught, the session will be cancelled, and you will be prosecuted,” he added. JAMB wants to stop these tricks for good.

So far, JAMB has checked 924 CBT centres for UTME 2026. These are provisionally okay, but they still need final approval to handle registrations and exams. Last year, over two million candidates signed up for the 2025 UTME. JAMB expects a similar big number this time. With live CCTV, they hope to make the process smoother and more honest.

JAMB’s move shows their strong push against exam malpractice. By linking every centre to Abuja through live feeds, they aim to catch problems right away. Even with Nigeria’s internet challenges, JAMB believes their approved spots are ready. Students preparing for UTME 2026 should note this: only centres with working live CCTV will count.

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