Introduction — Why This Guide Matters for Lagos Students
If you are a student in Lagos preparing for JAMB UTME or Direct Entry, choosing the right CBT centre is one of the most important steps you will take. A good centre keeps you calm, avoids technical problems, and follows JAMB rules. A poor centre can cause delays, stress, and even exam invalidation.
This guide lists Lagos JAMB CBT centres, explains what a CBT centre is, shows how to pick one, gives pros and cons, compares popular centres, offers real examples and practice tips, and answers 15 common questions. I used official and well-known sources so you can trust the facts. For the official list of approved centres, see the JAMB public centres registry.
What Is a JAMB CBT Centre? Simple Definition for Students
A CBT centre is a place where candidates sit for computer-based tests. For JAMB, the CBT centre is where you write the UTME or Direct Entry exam. The centre must be approved by JAMB to run the exam. Approved centres have:
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Enough working computers or thin clients
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Biometric systems for identity checks (fingerprint, etc.)
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Power backup (generator, UPS or inverter)
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Trained invigilators and staff who follow JAMB rules
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Proper seating and exam security
Using an approved JAMB CBT centre in Lagos means your exam result will be accepted by JAMB and schools. The JAMB public centres list shows all approved centres in Lagos and across Nigeria.
Why Choosing the Right JAMB CBT Centre in Lagos Is Important
Here are the main reasons choosing the right centre matters:
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Exam validity: JAMB accepts results from approved centres only. If your chosen centre is not approved, your result may be invalid. (Check the official JAMB centres site to confirm approval.)
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Technical reliability: A good centre has stable power and fast computers. A power cut during your test can cause delay or anxiety. Many Lagos centres prepare with backup power.
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Biometric security: The right centre uses biometrics to confirm your identity. This protects you from malpractice claims.
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Location & travel: Lagos is big and traffic is heavy. Picking a centre close to your home or school reduces stress on exam day.
Quick Overview: How Many JAMB CBT Centres Are in Lagos?
The exact number of approved JAMB CBT centres in Lagos changes every year because JAMB regularly updates its list of approved registration and testing centres. For the official and current list, always check the JAMB centres portal. Many education websites also publish updated lists of Lagos centres drawn from the JAMB registry.
How This Guide Is Organized (So You Don’t Get Lost)
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What a CBT centre is and why it matters
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How to check and confirm approval (step-by-step)
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Full list highlights of common Lagos centres by area (Ikeja, Surulere, Yaba, Ajah, Lekki, Ikorodu, Agege, Oshodi, Alimosho, etc.) with addresses or landmarks where available (note: always confirm before you go)
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How to pick the best centre for you (checklist)
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Pros and cons, and a comparison of popular centres
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Practical steps for exam day and mock/practice options
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Summary table before conclusion
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15 FAQs with clear answers
How to Confirm a JAMB CBT Centre Is Official and Active (Step by Step)
Before you register or pick a date, confirm that the centre is accredited and active. Here is how:
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Visit JAMB’s official centres page. The JAMB public centres registry lists approved centres by state and town. Use this first.
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Search the centre name and town. Type the centre name or town (for example “Ikeja” or “Surulere”) into the JAMB centres search box.
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Call the centre if a phone number is available. Many practice centres and local portals list phone numbers. Ask about power backup, number of computers, and test slots.
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Visit the centre in person if you can. See the environment and ask to meet staff. This is the best way to feel confident.
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Ask students who used the centre before. Word of mouth is useful — seniors will tell you about delays or problems. Local student groups and social media sometimes have current feedback.
Major Areas in Lagos with Noted CBT Centres (What Students Need to Know)
Below are common Lagos areas and examples of centres that are often approved or well-known. Always verify current approval before you register.
Ikeja / Oregun / Opebi Area (Ikeja is Lagos State capital district)
Ikeja hosts many training hubs and some approved centres. Candidates who live in the Mainland part of Lagos often pick Ikeja for its central location and decent infrastructure. Training centres in Ikeja (practice CBT) help many students prepare.
Examples of Ikeja/nearby centres seen in public lists:
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Gold Package TOPTECK / AfriImpact Academy (Ikeja practice centre).
Surulere / Yaba / Mainland South
Surulere and Yaba are central hubs for education. Surulere has secondary schools and private centres that double as CBT training and official JAMB registration points. These areas are busy but accessible to many students.
Examples:
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Duntro High School (Surulere) — noted on public centre lists in the past.
Lekki / Ajah / Eti-Osa (Island-East)
Lekki and Ajah have grown fast and now host modern private schools and tech hubs that sometimes serve as CBT centres or training sites. Candidates from the Lekki axis often choose closer centres to avoid long island-mainland trips.
Examples:
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Higherground Academy CBT Centre (Abijo / Lekki area).
Ikorodu Area (North-East Lagos)
Ikorodu covers many suburbs. JAMB-approved centres here help students from the Ikorodu axis who want to avoid city-center traffic. Examples found on the public registry include small business consult centres and halls listed under Ikorodu towns.
Agege / Alimosho / Oke-Odo (West Mainland)
Agege and Alimosho are densely populated and have multiple approved centres. Many candidates from these areas use centres in Agege or nearby towns because they are closer and cheaper to reach than city-centre venues.
Badagry / Ajegunle / Badagry Expressway (Far West)
These towns are far from central Lagos but still have approved centres. Candidates in the Badagry corridor often prefer local centres to avoid long travel. Public lists include many small private schools and centres in the Badagry area
Examples of Specific JAMB CBT Centres (Names & Landmarks)
Below are examples drawn from official and well-known public lists. These represent the type of centres you will find in Lagos. This is not a full list — see the JAMB centres portal for the full, current list.
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Duntro High School CBT Centre — 15 Oremeji Street, Off Imam Thanni, Jeshatedo, Surulere. Good local choice in Surulere.
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Datforte CBT Centre (Datforte International Schools) — 14/16 Ahmed Tijani Street, Ahmadiyah Bus Stop. Often used for registrations and mock tests.
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Timeon Kairos Educational and Vocational Institute — Lagos Abeokuta Expressway, Abule Egba. Popular in Abule Egba / Agege.
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Lufem Systems Ltd (Agege area) — Old Abeokuta Road / Oko-Oba Agege; one of many small approved vendors listed.
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Higherground Academy CBT Centre — Lekki / Abijo area (used by candidates in the Lekki axis).
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Gold Package TOPTECK / AfriImpact Academy — Tokunbo Alli Street, Off Toyin Street, Ikeja (practice and training).
Because JAMB approves many centres, the full list includes dozens of centres across all Lagos local government areas. ScholarshipAir and other educational portals publish user-friendly lists that group centres by town to help you choose.
How to Choose the Best JAMB CBT Centre in Lagos — A Simple Checklist
Use this checklist before you pick a centre:
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Check JAMB approval — Always confirm the centre appears on the official JAMB centres page.
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Distance & travel time — Pick a centre you can reach easily on exam day. Lagos traffic is unpredictable.
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Power backup — Ask if they have generator, UPS or inverter. You don’t want interruptions during the exam.
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Computer condition & number of seats — Ask how many test seats they have per session and if the machines are well maintained.
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Reviews from students — Ask friends, check social media or local student groups for past experiences.
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Cost & extra charges — Some centres charge service fees for registration; ask for a full breakdown
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Biometric setup — Confirm they use JAMB biometric systems for verification.
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Booking & slot availability — Popular centres fill up fast; book early.
Pros and Cons of Using Different Types of Centres in Lagos
Not all centres are the same. Here are pros and cons for three common types:
1. Large University / College CBT Centres (e.g., LASU, UNILAG campus hubs)
Pros
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Strong infrastructure and power backup.
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Large seating capacity — less risk of being bumped out.
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Strong oversight and usually good invigilation.
Cons
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May be far from where you live.
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More candidates mean longer queues and more hustle.
2. Private School / Training Hubs (e.g., Datforte, Gold Package centres)
Pros
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Often conveniently located in neighbourhoods.
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Good for mock tests and shorter travel times for local students.
Cons
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Smaller seating capacity — book early.
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Quality varies across private centres.
3. Small Business Consultant Centres & Halls
Pros
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Local and sometimes cheaper.
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Good for students in remote areas of Lagos.
Cons
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Some have weak power backup or older machines.
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Reputation varies — confirm approval and ask questions.
Comparison — Two Popular Lagos CBT Areas: Ikeja vs Onikan/Surulere
| Feature | Ikeja Centres | Onikan / Surulere Centres |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility for Mainland residents | Very good (central) | Good (nearer to central Lagos and island access) |
| Traffic impact | Moderate (depends on time) | Can be heavy, especially around Surulere events |
| Power backup | Many large centres have backup | Varies; some private centres may have limited backup |
| Best for | Students on the mainland, Ikeja, and GRA areas | Students in central Lagos, Yaba, and parts of Lagos Island |
Both areas have approved centres and practice hubs. Pick the one you can reach calmly and on time.
What to Expect on Exam Day at a Lagos JAMB CBT Centre (Step-by-Step)
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Arrive early. Lagos traffic can be heavy. Plan to be at the centre at least one hour before your scheduled time.
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Bring required documents. Usually: printout of registration slip, valid ID (as listed by JAMB), and any printed instructions. JAMB and the centre will tell you what is needed.
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Biometric verification. You will be fingerprinted and possibly photographed. This proves your identity.
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Seating & instructions. Invigilators give final instructions and rules. Follow them strictly.
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The test runs on computer. Use the on-screen controls to navigate questions. Remain calm and manage your time.
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Finish and logout. After the test, follow the invigilator’s steps. Do not leave until told.
Mock Tests & Practice — Where to Train Before Your JAMB Exam in Lagos
Practice is vital. Many Lagos centres run mock CBT tests to help students get familiar with exam software and timing. Training hubs such as Gold Package, Datforte, and local computer academies offer paid practice sessions and past-question drills. These are very useful for first-time candidates.
Common Problems Students Face in Lagos Centres & How to Avoid Them
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Traffic delays: Leave earlier than you think you must. Use local traffic updates and consider staying near the centre a night before if you live far.
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Power failure: Confirm power backup ahead of time. If the centre has no backup, consider another one.
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Slot mix-ups: Book early and print your registration slip. Keep the centre contact for urgent calls.
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Poor computer performance: If the computer freezes, raise your hand and inform invigilators immediately. They will provide another machine or follow JAMB protocol.
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Hidden fees: Ask for full cost breakdown upfront — registration fee and any service charges
Summary Table — Quick Reference Before You Decide
| Question | Short Answer |
|---|---|
| Where to confirm if a Lagos centre is approved? | JAMB public centres portal. |
| Should I practice before the exam? | Yes — strongly recommended. Use local mock CBT centres. |
| What to check at a centre? | Power backup, biometric setup, number of seats, approval status. |
| Can I change my centre after registration? | It is difficult and depends on JAMB rules and timelines. Book right away. |
| Best areas to consider in Lagos? | Ikeja, Surulere, Yaba, Lekki, Ikorodu, Agege depending on where you live. |
Real Student Examples — Short Scenarios & Lessons
Example 1 — Tunde, Ikeja: Tunde booked a centre in Ikeja and left home early. He confirmed the centre had generator backup and took a mock test the week before. On exam day, everything ran smoothly. Lesson: Practice and early arrival reduce stress.
Example 2 — Aisha, Lekki: Aisha picked a centre on Lekki-Epe expressway. Flooding that week made travel hard. She had not checked for alternative centres. Lesson: Check weather/traffic risks and have a backup plan.
Example 3 — Chuka, Surulere: Chuka used a small private centre with no good reviews. A computer froze during his test and it took long to switch machines. Lesson: Use centres with good reviews and enough machines.
Extra Tips for Lagos Candidates (Simple & Practical)
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Carry a water bottle and light snack for before/after the exam — not inside the exam hall.
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Wear comfortable clothes and avoid wearing items that might slow you at security checks.
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Keep emergency numbers handy: JAMB Lagos office contact and the centre phone if available. JAMB Lagos contact is available on the JAMB contact page. Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board
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If you have a medical condition, inform the centre ahead of time.
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Photograph the centre address and landmark the night before so you don’t get lost
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Conclusion
Choosing the right JAMB CBT centre in Lagos is about planning and verification. Lagos is large and busy, but it also has many approved CBT centres across all its local government areas — Ikeja, Surulere, Lekki, Ikorodu, Agege, Badagry and more. Use the official JAMB centres portal as your primary source to confirm approval, then check local reviews and call the centre to confirm power and capacity. Practice on mock CBT platforms so the real test feels familiar.
If you follow the steps in this guide — confirm approval, choose close and reliable centres, practice with mock tests, and arrive early — you will reduce stress and increase your chance of performing at your best. For the full, current list of all approved centres in Lagos, check the JAMB public centres registry and the popular education portals that republish the list.
