By Palang Paul
As preparations intensify for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a comprehensive list of prohibited items and penalties, warning candidates to strictly comply or risk severe sanctions, including result cancellation and prosecution.
The examination, scheduled to run from April 16 to April 25 across accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide, will be conducted under tightened security and monitoring protocols aimed at safeguarding its integrity.
Zero Tolerance for Malpractice
JAMB outlined a range of examination misconduct offences, each carrying strict consequences. Candidates who arrive without their examination slip will have their results cancelled, while those found with prohibited electronic devices such as mobile phones, calculators, or storage devices face both cancellation and possible prosecution.
More serious offences, including impersonation, collusion, and widespread cheating, attract heavier penalties such as multi-year bans and legal action. Violent or unruly behaviour toward exam officials could lead to expulsion from the exam hall, prosecution, and up to a three-year ban from future examinations.
Lateness, unauthorized movement in and out of the examination hall, and possession of wristwatches or communication gadgets are also punishable by result cancellation.
Extensive List of Banned Items
The board emphasized that candidates must not bring any unauthorized items into the examination hall. Prohibited items include:
•Mobile phones and electronic devices,Wristwatches,Calculators
•USB drives, CDs, and hard disks
•Books and writing materials (except HB pencils)
•Cameras, recorders, microphones, and earpieces
•Smart devices such as lenses, rings, and Bluetooth gadgets
•Personal items including wallets, purses, jewellery, and key holders
JAMB also warned against emerging forms of technological malpractice, including the use of spy glasses, smart buttons, and other concealed devices.
Strict Screening Measures
According to the board, all candidates will undergo mandatory biometric verification and thorough screening before being admitted into examination halls. Only approved materials will be permitted.
Candidates are advised to arrive early for their scheduled sessions, as lateness alone could lead to disqualification.
With the examination set to hold in four daily sessions beginning at 8:30 a.m., JAMB reiterated its commitment to enforcing the Examination Malpractice Act and ensuring a fair process for all candidates.
Compliance is not optional. Any violation, no matter how minor it may seem, could cost candidates their results,or their chance at higher education this year.
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