Examination
Published: February 18, 2026
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By Emmanuel Iweh
JAMB Announces March 28 for 2026 Mock UTME; Introduces New Literature Text 'The Lekki Headmaster'
"Candidates who opted for the optional mock exam now have a confirmed date of March 28, 2026, as JAMB releases the new mandatory reading text for the year."
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has finalized arrangements for the 2026 optional Mock UTME, scheduled to hold on March 28, 2026. This preparatory exam is a critical milestone for candidates looking to familiarize themselves with the Computer Based Test (CBT) environment before the main UTME in April. In conjunction with this announcement, JAMB has officially distributed the mandatory reading text for the 2026 cycle: 'The Lekki Headmaster' by Kabir Alabi Garba. Every candidate is entitled to a copy of this novel upon successful registration. The choice of 'The Lekki Headmaster' follows JAMB's tradition of selecting literature that addresses contemporary Nigerian social issues, ethics, and the value of education. Candidates are reminded that questions from this novel are compulsory and appear in the Use of English section for all candidates, regardless of their chosen course of study. Participation in the mock exam, while optional, has a high correlation with success in the main UTME. Investigative data suggests that students who participate in the mock tend to score 15 to 20 percent higher in the main exam due to reduced anxiety and better time management skills. The mock exam serves as a diagnostic tool, allowing candidates to identify their weak points in subjects like Physics, Mathematics, and Literature before the high-stakes main examination window between April 16 and April 25. For the 2026 session, JAMB has upgraded the CBT software to include better navigation features and enhanced security against 'screen-sharing' malpractices. Candidates who did not register for the mock are still encouraged to study the novel extensively, as the Board often uses the Mock UTME to test the difficulty level of questions derived from the new literature text. The N1,500 service charge for the mock exam is payable directly to the CBT center on the day of the exam. As February progresses, schools and tutorial centers are pivoting their curriculum to focus on the themes and characters of 'The Lekki Headmaster,' ensuring that students are not caught off guard by the deep comprehension and analytical questions typical of JAMB's assessment style. Failure to read the prescribed text is often the difference between a 200 and 250 score, making it a high-priority item for any serious aspirant.
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