The Federal Government has proposed a harmonised timetable for Nigeria’s major public examinations in 2027, with the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scheduled for March and other secondary school examinations expected to run between April and July.
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The proposed timetable is aimed at reducing clashes between examinations, ensuring the timely release of results and enabling qualified candidates to begin tertiary admission processes by September 2027.
According to the timetable shared by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the 2027 UTME is scheduled to hold from March 15 to 25, with results expected to be released within the same month.
The National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination is proposed for April 1 to May 14, while the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) West African Senior School Certificate Examination is scheduled for May 11 to June 18.
The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examination is expected to take place from June 1 to July 5, while the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) examination is proposed for June 10 to July 9.
Under the plan, results from NECO, WAEC, NABTEB and NBAIS are targeted for release by August 2027, giving eligible candidates an opportunity to begin the admission process into universities and other tertiary institutions by September.
The education-reform/">Federal Ministry of Education said the proposed timetable followed consultations involving the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, and heads and representatives of the examination bodies at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The discussions focused on aligning examination schedules, minimising timetable conflicts, improving coordination among examining bodies and ensuring the prompt processing and release of results.
The initiative forms part of the government’s education reform agenda under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative, which seeks to improve efficiency and strengthen educational outcomes.
However, JAMB clarified that the published dates are proposed timelines and have not yet been confirmed as final examination dates. Candidates have therefore been advised to monitor official announcements from JAMB, WAEC, NECO and the other examination bodies for updates.
If adopted, the harmonised timetable would provide candidates, schools and parents with a more coordinated examination calendar while helping prospective tertiary students plan their transition from secondary school to higher education.
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