FG harmonises 2027 exam timetable, UTME shifts to March

The Federal Government has proposed a harmonised 2027 examination timetable, with results from major examination bodies targeted for release by August 2027 to support the timely commencement of tertiary admissions.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) shared the proposed timetable on its social media platforms on Thursday, noting that the dates are provisional and subject to official confirmation by the respective examination bodies.

The proposed schedule places the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in March 2027, with eligible candidates expected to begin tertiary admission processes by September.

JAMB said the harmonisation is intended to improve coordination among examination bodies and ensure results are released in time for tertiary admissions.

Under the proposed schedule, the UTME will hold from March 15 to 25, followed by the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination from April 1 to May 14.

The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is scheduled for May 11 to June 18, while the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations are proposed for June 1 to July 5.

JAMB stressed that the dates remain provisional and urged candidates to follow official announcements from the relevant examination bodies for updates.

The proposed harmonisation comes amid other changes by JAMB aimed at streamlining examination requirements, O’Level result processing and access to tertiary education.

In September 2026, JAMB and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) fixed a N4,000 one-time fee for O’Level result verification during the tertiary admission process. Under the arrangement, JAMB verifies candidates’ WAEC results and makes them available to their chosen institutions.