For many UTME candidates, the anxiety of exam day begins long before the questions appear on screen. It starts with the uncertainty of not knowing where your exam centre is located, how to get there on time, or whether the facility is equipped to deliver a smooth testing experience. Will the computers work? Is the environment conducive? 

These are valid concerns that can unsettle even the best prepared student. That is where understanding JAMB CBT centres in Nigeria becomes crucial. From Lagos to Maiduguri, Port Harcourt to Sokoto, JAMB has accredited hundreds of Computer Based Test centres to host candidates for the annual UTME.

In this comprehensive guide, we provide a complete breakdown of accredited CBT centres across all 36 states and the FCT, explain how centres are assigned to candidates, and share practical guide to help you locate your venue, plan your journey, and walk into your exam with confidence instead of panic.

What Is a JAMB CBT Centre?

A JAMB CBT centre refers to any facility that has received official accreditation from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to conduct the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

Some of these centres are also authorised to handle candidate registration for the exam. To ensure a uniform and secure testing experience for all candidates, these centres are outfitted with essential technology, including functional computer systems, biometric fingerprint scanners, CCTV cameras for monitoring, and reliable internet connections.

These centres fulfil two main functions:

  • Registration Centres: Facilities where candidates complete their UTME or Direct Entry registration processes
  • Examination Centres: Venues where candidates sit for the actual UTME

While some centres are approved to perform both roles, others may be limited to handling only one aspect of the process.

The Accreditation Process for CBT Centres

JAMB maintains a continuous and rigorous accreditation process for CBT centres. The board operates a dynamic system where new centres are added regularly, and existing ones are removed based on their performance and compliance with established guidelines.

To receive and maintain accreditation, centres must typically meet the following requirements:

  1. An adequate number of functional computer systems.
  2. Biometric capture devices for fingerprint verification.
  3. CCTV surveillance cameras for security monitoring.
  4. Stable and reliable internet connectivity.
  5. Backup power supply, such as generators or solar inverters.
  6. Proper seating arrangements conducive to examination conditions.
  7. Secure premises with controlled access points.
  8. Trained technical staff to assist candidates and manage equipment.

Centres that fail to uphold these standards face consequences. Some may receive temporary suspension, which allows them to address deficiencies and work toward regaining full accreditation. Others may be completely delisted, meaning they must reapply and meet all requirements afresh before being considered for future UTME exercises.

JAMB Owned vs. Private Accredited Centres: What's the Difference?

Not all JAMB CBT centres are owned or operated by the same entity. In fact, the facilities where candidates register for and write the UTME fall into two distinct categories.

Understanding the difference between JAMB owned professional test centres and privately accredited centres can help candidates know what to expect and appreciate the variety of venues available across the country. Below is a breakdown of both types and how they compare.

JAMB Owned Professional Test Centres:

These facilities are directly managed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board itself, typically located at JAMB zonal or state offices. They are designed to uphold the highest operational standards and often serve as model centres for others to emulate.

A notable example is the JAMB Professional Test Centre situated at the JAMB Zonal Office in Agodi G.R.A., Ibadan.

Private Accredited Centres:

These are facilities owned by educational institutions or private organisations that have successfully met JAMB's strict accreditation requirements. They include:

  • University based CBT centres, such as the University of Ibadan Distance Learning CBT Centre and Lead City University CBT Centre.
  • Polytechnic ICT centres, like The Polytechnic Ibadan ICT Centre.
  • ICT centres within secondary schools.
  • Private business centres that specialise in hosting computer based examinations.

Does Your Centre Location Affect Your Performance?

Yes. The location and quality of your assigned CBT centre can significantly impact your exam experience and results. Here is how:

1. Travel Distance and Logistics:

Candidates assigned to distant centres face real difficulties. In Jigawa State, for example, the limited number of centres means many applicants must travel long distances. This leads to safety worries and accommodation struggles, with some candidates reportedly sleeping on the streets.

2. Centre Facilities and Equipment:

The quality of computers, the availability of backup power, and the functionality of the biometric system directly affect your test experience. Modern, well equipped centres minimise the risk of technical issues during your exam.

List of Accredited JAMB Centres in Nigeria

Finding an accredited JAMB centre in your state is essential for a smooth exam experience. Below is a complete list of states where JAMB approved CBT centres are located.

  1. CBT Centres in Abia State
  2. CBT Centres in Adamawa State
  3. CBT Centres in Akwa Ibom State
  4. CBT Centres in Anambra State
  5. CBT Centres in Bauchi State
  6. CBT Centres in Bayelsa State
  7. CBT Centres in Benue State
  8. CBT Centres in Borno State
  9. CBT Centres in Cross River State
  10. CBT Centres in Delta State
  11. CBT Centres in Ebonyi State
  12. CBT Centres in Edo State
  13. CBT Centres in Ekiti State
  14. CBT Centres in Enugu State
  15. CBT Centres in Gombe State
  16. CBT Centres in Imo State
  17. CBT Centres in Jigawa State
  18. CBT Centres in Kaduna State
  19. CBT Centres in Kano State
  20. CBT Centres in Katsina State
  21. CBT Centres in Kebbi State
  22. CBT Centres in Kogi State
  23. CBT Centres in Kwara State
  24. CBT Centres in Lagos State
  25. CBT Centres in Nasarawa State
  26. CBT Centres in Niger State
  27. CBT Centres in Ogun State
  28. CBT Centres in Ondo State
  29. CBT Centres in Osun State
  30. CBT Centres in Oyo State
  31. CBT Centres in Plateau State
  32. CBT Centres in Rivers State
  33. CBT Centres in Sokoto State
  34. CBT Centres in Taraba State
  35. CBT Centres in Yobe State
  36. CBT Centres in Zamfara State
  37. CBT Centres in FCT

International Centres for Candidates Living Abroad

Candidates residing outside Nigeria who wish to register for the UTME can do so at any of the following foreign centres:

  1. Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
  2. Nigerian High Commission in Accra, Ghana
  3. Nigerian Embassy or Permanent Mission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
  4. Nigerian Consulate in Beau, Cameroon
  5. Nigerian Consulate in Cotonou, Benin Republic
  6. Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
  7. Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa
  8. Nigerian High Commission in London, United Kingdom
  9. Nigerian Embassy in Berlin, Germany

How Candidates Are Assigned to CBT Centres?

The process JAMB uses to assign candidates to CBT centres for the UTME follows a systematic approach. Although the exact algorithm remains undisclosed, several factors influence where a candidate is placed:

1. Candidate's Location Preferences: 

During registration, candidates have the opportunity to indicate their preferred towns or cities for the examination.

2. Centre Capacity: 

Every centre has a limit on the number of candidates it can accommodate, determined by the number of available computers and exam sessions scheduled.

3. Centre Accreditation Status: 

Only centres that hold current accreditation are considered for candidate assignment.

4. Proximity to Candidate's Residence: 

JAMB makes an effort to assign candidates to centres that are reasonably close to the location they provided during registration.

5. Registration Date:

Candidates who register early typically have access to a wider range of centre options, while those who register late may be assigned to whatever centres still have available spaces.