Some candidates sitting for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Anambra State have decried the insufficient time allocated for the Computer-Based Test (CBT), as well as technical disruptions that hindered their performance.
Speaking to journalists who monitored the exercise in Awka on Friday, the candidates described the two-hour window for four subjects as inadequate, particularly for those less familiar with computer operations.
Onyimye Okonkwo, who took the exam at Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, said a technical glitch further compounded the time constraint. “Two hours is not enough for four subjects, and I am not computer-savvy,” she said, expressing hope that her scores would still be favourable.
Juliet Nnadi reported that although her technical issue was eventually resolved, she was not granted extra time to compensate for nearly one hour lost during the examination.
Another candidate, Chibundu Nwafor, appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to review the time allocation, noting that the examination significantly affects candidates’ future academic prospects.
A supervisor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disagreed with the claims of systemic technical failure, asserting that the computers were functional. He attributed the difficulties to candidates’ nervousness and lack of computer literacy, urging parents to enrol their children in holiday computer lessons.
The 2026 UTME, which began on April 16, is scheduled to conclude on April 26.
(NAN)
