The Federal Government has proposed over N1.3 billion for the construction, furnishing, renovation, and equipping of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Nigeria, according to the 2026 Appropriation Bill. The budget covers multiple ICT and CBT infrastructure projects aimed at improving examination access and standardisation.
The allocations span several states, including Ondo, Lagos, Rivers, Abia, and Gombe. Among the largest allocations is N420 million for the construction and equipping of a JAMB ICT centre in Igbotako, Ondo State, while Lagos received N336.7 million for computer supply and internet services for CBT centres in Eric Moore and Epe Grammar School. Rivers State was allocated N280 million for a centre in Emohua, Gombe State N175 million for a Balanga centre, Abia N28 million for a CBT centre in Oloko, and N87.15 million for ICT upgrades to improve registration and examination reliability.
The move comes after the 2025 UTME cycle was disrupted by technical glitches affecting hundreds of centres and inconveniencing around 380,000 candidates. In response, JAMB has accredited 848 CBT centres nationwide for the 2026 UTME, delisted non-compliant centres, and recommended sanctions for infractions.
Computer-based testing is part of Nigeria’s broader plan to transition major national exams, including WAEC and NECO, to digital platforms by 2026, aiming to reduce malpractice and improve result turnaround. However, critics caution that infrastructure gaps, unreliable electricity, poor internet connectivity, and low computer literacy among students could undermine the initiative if not addressed alongside the rollout.
The proposed budget reflects the government’s commitment to expanding standardised, technology-driven examinations, improving candidate experience, and aligning Nigeria’s assessment system with international best practices.
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