In a bold move set to reshape the future of Nigeria’s educational system, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has unveiled plans to offer a mock version of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) specifically designed for candidates under the age of 16. This groundbreaking initiative, according to JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, is intended to provide underage students the opportunity to assess their preparedness for the highly competitive exam before they are eligible for university admission.
Speaking at a media briefing held in Lagos on Sunday, Oloyede clarified that the mock UTME, which will be held ahead of the actual examination in March 2025, is not intended for students seeking university, polytechnic, or college admissions. Instead, it is an opportunity for younger candidates to familiarize themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format and to test their readiness for future academic challenges.
“While the mock UTME will not count for admission purposes, it is a vital step for younger candidates who are eager to gauge their abilities,” Oloyede explained. “This initiative will allow them to experience the exam’s environment and improve their preparation as they look towards future opportunities.”
The JAMB Registrar also emphasized that the new mock exam is not a loophole for underage candidates trying to bypass the age restrictions set for UTME admission. According to current JAMB policies, only candidates who are 16 years or older on or before September 30th of the exam year are eligible to take the UTME for university admission.
The mock UTME is aimed at young students who may be academically gifted and wish to test their mettle against the rigorous standards of the exam without being considered for immediate admission. Oloyede further outlined that candidates who do not meet the age requirement for university entry but are eager to experience the CBT format can register exclusively for the mock exam, which will cost N5,700.
For those opting to participate in both the mock and the main UTME, the combined fee will be N8,200, while those choosing only the UTME without the mock exam will pay N7,200. These fees are part of the registration process, which officially begins on January 31, 2025, and will run until March 5, 2025. The mock exam is scheduled for February 23, while the main UTME will take place on March 8, 2025.
“The introduction of the mock exam is designed to ensure that all candidates, regardless of their age, can be adequately prepared for the challenges they will face in the actual UTME,” said Oloyede. “We want to ensure that all Nigerian students have the chance to succeed in the competitive world of tertiary education.”
While the announcement of this new initiative has been largely welcomed by many educational stakeholders, it has sparked some debate within the Nigerian education sector. Critics have voiced concerns about the increasing pressure on younger students, questioning whether it is fair to expose them to such high-stakes testing at an early age. Some have also raised concerns about the potential for increased commercialization of the education sector, as many students may feel compelled to pay for the mock exam, even if they are not yet ready for university admission.
However, proponents of the mock UTME argue that it will offer an invaluable learning experience for younger students, preparing them for future academic challenges. “For many of these younger students, it will be their first exposure to the computer-based testing system used in the UTME,” said Dr. Amina Suleiman, a lecturer in Educational Psychology at the University of Lagos. “This experience will give them a competitive edge when they are finally eligible to sit for the exam in the future.”
The move also comes on the heels of an ongoing discussion about the age eligibility for UTME candidates. Last year, the Federal Ministry of Education under former Minister, Professor Tahir Mamman, proposed raising the minimum age for university admission to 18. The controversial decision was met with widespread backlash from various education stakeholders, parents, and students who feared it would unnecessarily limit access to higher education for many capable candidates.
In response to these concerns, the Federal Government reversed its decision, and the age requirement for UTME candidates was maintained at 16. “The decision to keep the age limit at 16 is in line with international standards, and it ensures that younger students are not prematurely subjected to university-level examinations,” Oloyede explained.
As part of its efforts to enhance the UTME experience for all candidates, JAMB has also increased the number of approved Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for the 2025 exam cycle. A total of 870 centres have been screened and provisionally listed for the exam, up from 747 in the previous year. This increase is expected to accommodate the growing number of candidates and ensure that the examination process runs smoothly.
For many students and parents, the mock UTME offers a chance for early preparation and insight into the complexities of the actual exam. It is an opportunity for them to understand the format, identify areas of improvement, and bolster their readiness for the main exam. By opening this door to underage candidates, JAMB is helping to lay a foundation for academic excellence that could transform the educational landscape in Nigeria.
“We are not just preparing students for exams; we are preparing them for a future of success,” Oloyede remarked. “This mock exam is one of the ways we can ensure that every Nigerian student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
