JAMB Invigilators and Examination Officials: Training, Roles, and 2026 UTME Monitoring
Summary
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disclosed that it had trained no fewer than 2,000 invigilators ahead of the 2023 Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examinations (UTME) The training was part of the Board’s efforts to equip all officials on the rudiments of computer appreciation and measures to address any technical issues that might …
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) deploys thousands of trained examination officials for every UTME cycle. This guide explains the roles of invigilators, supervisors, and the enhanced monitoring measures for the 2026 examination.
JAMB Examination Personnel
JAMB has the authority to appoint various examination officials including:
- Examiners: Responsible for question setting and marking
- Moderators: Ensure quality and consistency of examination materials
- Invigilators: Monitor candidates during examinations
- Chief External Examiners (CEEs): Oversee examination conduct at zonal level
- Chief Technical Advisors (CTAs): Handle technical aspects of CBT operations
- Zonal Directors and State Coordinators: Coordinate activities within their jurisdictions
- Subject Panel Members: Specialists for specific examination subjects
Invigilator Training
Before each UTME, JAMB conducts comprehensive training for examination officials. Training typically covers:
Computer Appreciation
- Understanding of CBT systems and operations
- Troubleshooting basic technical issues
- Proper use of examination software
Professional Conduct
- Maintaining professional demeanor at all times
- Handling malpractice cases without causing disruption
- Treating candidates with respect and fairness
Anti-Extortion Measures
- Zero tolerance for extorting candidates
- Protecting candidates from third-party extortion
- Reporting any extortion attempts
Punctuality and Preparedness
- Arriving promptly at examination centres
- Being prepared for various scenarios
- Following established protocols strictly
Enhanced Monitoring for 2026 UTME
Following challenges during the 2025 UTME, JAMB has implemented stricter monitoring requirements:
Live Remote Monitoring
All CBT centres participating in the 2026 UTME will be monitored live from JAMB National Headquarters in Abuja. The board has implemented a strict policy:
"No Vision, No Registration, No UTME" - Any centre whose activities cannot be viewed remotely will:
- Not receive payment for services
- Have registrations potentially invalidated
- Risk losing accreditation
CCTV Requirements
Centres must meet specific camera requirements:
- Brand: HIKVision cameras only
- Configuration: 16-channel setup required
- Installation: Hard-wired (not wireless) cameras
- Power: All network switches connected to Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
Areas Requiring Camera Coverage
CCTV must cover all critical areas:
- Examination halls
- Verification areas (biometric check points)
- Holding rooms
- Walkways
- Server rooms
- Entrance and exit doors
CBT Centre Accreditation 2026
JAMB began accrediting examination centres for 2026 UTME in December 2025:
- Centres under review: 848 CBT centres nationwide
- Start date: December 15, 2025
- Inspection focus: CCTV systems, technical infrastructure, compliance with standards
Non-compliant centres are barred from participating in the examination.
Prohibited Items in Examination Halls
Examination officials enforce strict rules on prohibited items. Candidates must NOT bring:
- Mobile phones and electronic devices
- Calculators (unless specifically permitted)
- Smart watches and wristwatches
- Earpieces and Bluetooth devices
- Smart buttons and spy glasses
- Cameras, microphones, and recorders
- Wallets/purses, necklaces, rings, bangles
- Keyholders and flash drives
- Pens and biros (only pencils allowed)
- Books and notes
- Contact lenses (in some cases)
Candidates caught with prohibited items face result cancellation and potential bans.
2025 UTME Lessons Learned
The 2025 UTME experienced significant challenges:
- Technical glitches affecting 65 centres in Lagos Zone
- 92 centres affected in Owerri Zone
- Complaints of unusually low scores
- Irregularities prompting urgent review
JAMB has resolved to address these issues for 2026 through enhanced monitoring and stricter centre requirements.
2026 UTME Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | January 26, 2026 |
| Registration Closes | February 28, 2026 |
| Mock Examination | March 28, 2026 |
| Main UTME Begins | April 16, 2026 |
| Main UTME Ends | April 25, 2026 |
What Candidates Should Know
The enhanced monitoring and trained officials mean:
- Fairer examinations: Reduced opportunities for malpractice
- Better technical support: Trained staff can address issues quickly
- Professional treatment: Officials are trained to be respectful
- Zero tolerance for extortion: Report any demands for money
Reporting Issues During Examination
If you experience problems during your examination:
- Raise your hand to alert the invigilator
- Clearly explain the technical or other issue
- Allow the official to document and address the problem
- If unresolved, request to speak with the centre supervisor
- After the exam, report to JAMB through official channels at support.jamb.gov.ng
For official updates on examination arrangements, visit www.jamb.gov.ng.
