UTME 2026: Full List of Items JAMB Candidates Must Not Take to Exam Venue

Cursory: JAMB warns UTME 2026 candidates against prohibited items in exam halls to maintain integrity and credibility. Prohibited items include tattoos on palms, and strict adherence is urged to prevent malpractice during the exams.

As the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) 2026 approaches, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) issued a stern warning to candidates regarding prohibited items in examination halls. In a document signed by the registrar of the board, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB emphasized its strict stance against exam misconduct and other undesirable behaviors that could disrupt the examination process.

Professor Oloyede reiterated that these measures were essential to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the board’s examinations, set to begin on Thursday, April 16, 2026. Candidates were specifically cautioned against bringing prohibited items into the examination centers, as these could facilitate dishonest practices among some individuals seeking to cheat during the exams.

Additionally, JAMB advised UTME candidates against adorning decorative designs or tattoos on their palms, as these markings might interfere with the biometric screening process at the examination center.

JAMB said: “In this regard, candidates are warned to steer clear of all the prohibited items, which have been banned from the examination centres.

“These items have been noted to have aided some dishonest candidates in their quest to perpetrate examination malpractice, hence, the ban on these items is to protect the sanctity of the board’s examinations.

Furthermore, JAMB said parents are requested to refrain from being around the examination premises, as the board strictly prohibits them (parents) from being present during the examination.