By Stella Odueme
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to harmonise the 2027 external examination timetable, targeting the release of results by August 2027 to enable eligible candidates to begin tertiary institution admission processes by September.
The initiative is part of the education reform agenda of the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative (NESRI), which seeks to promote efficiency, improve coordination and enhance educational outcomes.
To achieve this objective, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, convened a meeting with heads and representatives of examination bodies at the Federal Ministry of Education headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, the meeting focused on aligning examination schedules, minimising timetable clashes and ensuring the timely processing and release of examination results.
Under the proposed 2027 timetable, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is scheduled to hold from March 15 to 25, with results expected in March 2027.
The National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) is proposed for April 1 to May 14, while the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is scheduled for May 11 to June 18. Results for both examinations are expected in August.
Similarly, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examination is proposed for June 1 to July 5, while the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) examination is scheduled for June 10 to July 9. Results for both examinations are also expected in August 2027.
The ministry said it would sustain engagements with the examination bodies to ensure compliance with the proposed timelines, strengthen accountability and align examination schedules and results releases with tertiary institution admission processes.
The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing education reforms through NESRI to improve efficiency and expand timely access to tertiary education.
,