The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has confirmed that registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry (DE) has not yet started, despite growing anticipation among prospective candidates.
In a statement issued on Wednesday via the Board’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, JAMB clarified that registration for the 2025 session would begin at a later date, with further details to be shared in due course. The announcement has left many students and parents anxious about the timelines for the crucial examination.
“Attention prospective 2025 UTME/DE candidates! Kindly note that registration has not commenced. However, details on the exercise will be announced soon,” the statement read.
JAMB took the opportunity to advise prospective candidates to start preparing for the registration process by obtaining their National Identification Number (NIN) and ensuring they have a valid phone number not previously used on the platform. This is essential for generating the mandatory profile code ahead of the official registration.
Despite the delay in the registration process, JAMB also informed the public of an important update regarding the 2025 UTME. The board has selected The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba as the compulsory reading text for the Use of English examination.
“Attention prospective 2025 UTME candidates! This is to inform you that The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba has been approved as the reading text for the Use of English,” JAMB stated, signaling the continued commitment to a curriculum that resonates with Nigerian students.
JAMB’s Strategic Preparations for the 2025 UTME/DE
As students eagerly await the official start of the registration process, JAMB’s statement has made it clear that they are setting the stage for an orderly and well-prepared process. This comes as no surprise, as JAMB has often been proactive in ensuring that both registration and examination procedures are smooth and effective.
“The delay in registration is to ensure that all systems are fully functional and secure before we open the platform to thousands of candidates,” a source at JAMB revealed, speaking under anonymity. “Our goal is to avoid any confusion or technical issues like those experienced in previous years.”
The board’s methodical approach is seen as a necessary response to the chaotic scenes that have sometimes marred previous registration periods. Last year, the UTME registration witnessed several technical challenges and long delays, which led to widespread frustration and complaints from candidates and their families.
However, JAMB’s statement did not specify the exact date for when registration would officially begin, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the timeline. With many students counting on the registration process to secure their place in the highly competitive examination, some candidates have expressed concerns over the delay.
“I am already getting anxious,” said Olamide Akinola, a prospective candidate for the 2025 UTME. “We expected the registration to begin earlier this year, but now we don’t know when it will start. I just want to be sure I don’t miss any deadlines.”
Background: The Importance of Timely Registration
The UTME remains one of the most significant steps for Nigerian students seeking admission to universities and other tertiary institutions. It serves as a standardized assessment of candidates’ readiness for higher education, and millions of students participate in it every year.
For many families, the UTME represents a make-or-break moment, and delays in registration can create significant anxiety. Furthermore, issues with registration—whether technical or procedural—have the potential to hinder students’ chances of securing spots in universities, further intensifying the pressure.
The Direct Entry (DE) process, which allows candidates with previous tertiary education to gain admission into a university, also faces similar hurdles. Many candidates seeking to bypass the full UTME route depend on timely registration to ensure their smooth transition into their desired institutions.
JAMB’s Call for Readiness: NIN and Profile Code
As part of its preparatory guidance, JAMB urged prospective candidates to gather the necessary documentation ahead of time, particularly their National Identification Number (NIN), which has become an essential part of the registration process. In addition, candidates are required to have an active phone number that has never been used for registration on the JAMB platform.
These steps are part of JAMB’s strategy to streamline the registration process and curb instances of impersonation and other forms of examination malpractice. By linking the registration process to NIN, JAMB hopes to enforce a more secure and transparent system for students and the examination board.
“Getting the NIN and an unused phone number ahead of time will help avoid last-minute rush and confusion,” said JAMB’s spokesperson in an earlier interview. “We want the registration process to be as smooth as possible for everyone involved.”
The move to integrate the NIN into the registration process aligns with Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen its national identification systems and improve security protocols for both citizens and government agencies.
Reactions from Students and Stakeholders
While JAMB’s assurances may bring some relief to prospective candidates, reactions to the delay have been mixed. Some students are cautiously optimistic about the eventual start of the registration process, while others remain frustrated by the lack of concrete information on the timeline.
