Knowing the official JAMB CBT centers 2026 in your state is essential before you begin your UTME registration. Selecting a CBT center that is close to you, in a location you can reach easily on examination day, and with a reliable track record reduces stress and minimises last-minute logistical problems. This guide provides the complete list of JAMB-accredited CBT centers across all 36 states and the FCT, explains how to select your preferred center during JAMB registration, and offers practical tips for exam day success.
What Is a JAMB CBT Center?
A JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) center is an accredited facility where candidates sit the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on computers. JAMB transitioned fully to CBT format in 2014, replacing the traditional paper-based examination. CBT centers must meet JAMB’s minimum technical specifications — sufficient number of networked computers, stable internet connectivity, backup power supply, qualified technical staff, and appropriate supervision arrangements. JAMB accredits CBT centers through a rigorous inspection process and periodically reviews their status — centers that fail to maintain standards are de-listed. For the 2026/2027 session, candidates should always verify their selected center’s accreditation status on the official JAMB portal (jamb.gov.ng) before completing their registration, as the list of approved centers changes between sessions.
How to Select Your JAMB CBT Center During Registration
- Log in to the JAMB eFacility portal at efacility.jamb.gov.ng with your NIN and JAMB profile credentials
- Navigate to “Apply for UTME” and proceed to the CBT center selection screen
- Select your state of examination from the dropdown menu
- A list of accredited CBT centers in your selected state will appear — review the center names and locations carefully
- Select your preferred center from the list. Consider proximity to your home, availability of transport, and the center’s general reputation
- Confirm your selection — you may not be able to change your center after registration is completed without paying a correction fee
JAMB CBT Centers 2026: Selected States
Lagos State CBT Centers
Lagos has the highest concentration of JAMB CBT centers in Nigeria, reflecting its large population of UTME candidates. Major accredited centers include: Yaba College of Technology (Yaba), Lagos State University (LASU, Ojo), University of Lagos Computer Centre (Akoka), Igbajo Polytechnic Lagos Campus (Surulere), Lagos City Polytechnic (Ikeja), Aptech Computer Education (multiple Lagos locations), Federal Government College CBT Center (various LGAs), and numerous privately operated accredited centers in Ikeja, Lekki, Surulere, Alimosho, and Badagry. Lagos candidates are advised to select a center in their own LGA wherever possible to minimise travel time on examination day, particularly given Lagos traffic conditions.
Abuja (FCT) CBT Centers
The Federal Capital Territory has several well-equipped CBT centers given the concentration of government and private institutions. Key centers include: University of Abuja CBT Center (Gwagwalada), Baze University (Jabi), Nile University of Nigeria (Abuja), National Open University of Nigeria CBT Center (Jabi), and privately operated centers in Wuse 2, Garki, Kubwa, and Lugbe. The JAMB Abuja Zonal Office at Bwari also runs a CBT center. FCT candidates typically have shorter travel distances to centers compared to candidates in other states.
Ogun State CBT Centers
Ogun State hosts CBT centers in major towns including Abeokuta (Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Federal Polytechnic Ilaro campus, and private centers), Sagamu (Olabisi Onabanjo University Sagamu campus area), Ijebu-Ode (several private accredited centers), and Ota (Covenant University CBT Center area). Ogun candidates near the Lagos border also sometimes select Lagos-based centers for convenience.
Rivers State CBT Centers
Port Harcourt and environs host the majority of Rivers State CBT centers. Key locations include: University of Port Harcourt (Choba) CBT Center, Rivers State University (Rumuola) CBT Center, Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic (Bori), and several privately operated accredited centers in GRA Phase 2, Rumuola Road, and Trans-Amadi in Port Harcourt. Rivers candidates in Ahoada, Degema, and Khana LGAs should check the JAMB portal for the nearest accredited centers to avoid long examination-day travel.
Kano State CBT Centers
Kano is home to Bayero University Kano CBT Center (Kano), Kano State Polytechnic CBT Center, Federal College of Education (Technical) Bichi CBT Center, and multiple privately operated accredited centers within Kano metropolis. Kano State has a very high number of UTME candidates and JAMB typically approves a large number of centers to manage demand. Candidates in Kano should book their mock examinations at the selected center before examination day to familiarise themselves with the environment and the specific computer interface used at that location.
The Complete State-by-State CBT Center List
A comprehensive list of all JAMB-accredited CBT centers across Nigeria’s 36 states and FCT — including centers in Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, and Ebonyi — is published and updated on the official JAMB portal at jamb.gov.ng under the “CBT Centers” section. For the most current and accurate list for the 2026/2027 session, always verify directly on the JAMB portal, as centers are added and removed between sessions based on compliance inspections.
Tips for Choosing the Right JAMB CBT Center
Choosing wisely between available centers can make a significant difference to your examination experience. Proximity is the single most important factor — arrive at your center at least 30–45 minutes before your scheduled examination time, and any travel disruption on exam day becomes a serious problem if your center is far away. Check the center’s reputation with students who have previously written there — some centers have historically experienced technical problems (power outages, system freezes, internet failures) more frequently than others. JAMB provides a mock examination opportunity to candidates before the main UTME date — use this at your selected center to familiarise yourself with the interface, the room layout, and the journey. Bring your original NIN slip, examination slip, and a valid means of identification on examination day — CBT centers are required to verify biometrics before seating candidates.
On examination day: arrive early, switch off your mobile phone before entering the examination hall, do not bring any study materials into the examination room, and report any technical issues to the center supervisor immediately — JAMB has procedures for handling technical failures that protect candidates’ scores when verified disruptions occur. If your computer crashes mid-examination, stay calm, raise your hand immediately, and do not attempt to restart the machine yourself. Supervisors are trained to handle these situations and your answers up to that point are typically preserved in the system.
Frequently Asked Questions: JAMB CBT Centers 2026
Can I change my JAMB CBT center after registration?
Yes, but there is a fee and a correction window. Log in to your JAMB profile, navigate to “Correction of Data,” and request a center change. JAMB charges NGN 2,500 for data corrections including center changes. Center changes must be completed before the examination date is assigned to you — once you receive your examination slip with a specific date and center, changes become more restricted. Act early if you need to change your center.
Can I write JAMB in a different state from where I reside?
Yes — JAMB does not restrict candidates to their state of origin or state of residence for CBT center selection. You can select any accredited center in any state. However, selecting a center in a different state means you must be in that state on your examination date, which adds logistical complexity. Most candidates select centers in their state of residence for practical reasons.
How do I know if a CBT center is genuinely JAMB-accredited?
Only select CBT centers from the official list on jamb.gov.ng — do not rely on verbal recommendations or social media posts claiming a center is accredited. Fraudulent operators sometimes advertise unofficial examination centres. Using an unaccredited center means your examination may not be recognised, wasting your registration fees and admission cycle. Verify every center name against the official JAMB list before registering.
What time does the JAMB CBT examination start?
JAMB typically runs multiple examination sessions per day at each center — usually morning (starting 8:00am), midday (around 12:00pm), and afternoon (around 3:00pm) sessions. Your specific session time will be printed on your examination slip. Report to your center at least 30 minutes before your session start time. Late candidates who arrive after the examination has begun are generally not admitted.
Prepare Well and Write Confidently
Selecting the right CBT center is one of the logistical foundations of a successful JAMB examination. Once your center is confirmed, shift your full focus to academic preparation — mastering your four UTME subjects, practising on JAMB CBT simulation software, and taking the official JAMB mock examination. Use our JAMB preparation resources and subject-specific study guides on this site to maximise your score in 2026.
JAMB Mock Examination 2026: How to Use the CBT Center for Practice
JAMB introduced the optional mock examination to give candidates hands-on experience with the CBT format before the actual UTME. The mock examination is typically conducted 4–6 weeks before the main UTME dates and uses the same centers, same computer interface, and same question format as the actual examination. Candidates who participate in the mock examination consistently report lower examination anxiety and better time management during the actual UTME, having already experienced the full process in a real CBT environment. Registration for the JAMB mock examination is done separately from the main UTME registration — a small additional fee applies (currently NGN 700). To register for the mock: log in to your JAMB profile, navigate to “Mock Registration,” select your preferred center, and pay the fee. Mock results are sent to you privately and do not affect your UTME score, but they are a highly valuable diagnostic tool.
After completing your mock examination, review your performance critically: which subjects did you score weakest in? Which question types took the most time? What was your overall time management like across 100 questions in 100 minutes? Use these insights to restructure your final weeks of UTME preparation, focusing additional study time on your weaker subjects and practising speed under timed conditions. The single most common reason for underperformance in UTME relative to mock scores is poor time management in the actual examination — training yourself to spend no more than 60 seconds per question is essential for finishing all 100 questions within the time limit.
What to Expect at Your JAMB CBT Center on Examination Day
On the day of your UTME, arrive at the CBT center at least 30–45 minutes before your scheduled session. Bring your printed examination slip, your NIN slip or national ID, and a pen (for paper-based biometric forms some centers still use). Do not bring your mobile phone into the examination hall — phones must be switched off and stored outside. Candidates are required to undergo biometric verification (fingerprint scan) before being seated. Once seated, you will see a computer with your name, photo, and examination details displayed — verify these are correct before beginning. The examination interface shows one question at a time with navigation buttons to move forward and backward. You can flag questions to return to later. The timer counting down your remaining time is displayed prominently — keep an eye on it throughout. When time expires, the system automatically submits your answers.
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