The Federal Government has proposed a total allocation of over N1.3 billion for the construction, furnishing, renovation, and equipment of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Computer-Based Test centres across Nigeria
This is according to data contained in the 2026 Appropriation Bill, covering multiple CBT and ICT infrastructure projects under ongoing capital expenditure.
The projects span several states, including Rivers, Lagos, Abia, Ondo, and Gombe, and expand access to standardised examination
Further allocations include N175 million under project code ERGP29244411 for the construction and equipping of an ICT and JAMB centre in Balanga Local Government Area, Gombe State.
The budget also provides N87.15 million under project code ERGP23225152 for the renovation and upgrading of ICT infrastructure for JAMB registration purposes, aimed at improving system reliability during examination and registration periods.
Meanwhile, N28 million is allocated under project code ERGP1246643 for the construction and furnishing of the Oloko JAMB CBT centre in Oloko, Ikwuano Local Government Area, Abia Central District.
There has been heightened attention on JAMB’s Computer-Based Test system following a challenging 2025 UTME cycle.
Last year’s UTME was marred by technical glitches and irregularities in CBT centres, including errors that affected results from hundreds of centres and disrupted the testing experience for roughly 380,000 candidates.
They also delisted several CBT centres for failing to meet technical standards and have recommended sanctions against centres involved in examination infractions, as part of efforts to uphold the credibility of the UTME process.
Computer-based testing is increasingly embraced worldwide due to its potential to reduce examination malpractice and shorten result turnaround times.
Students and educators have also raised concerns about CBT readiness, noting that many candidates lack basic computer literacy and that technical issues during exams can create stress and disadvantage those without prior experience.