The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the key dates for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), signaling the start of the annual academic journey for millions of Nigerian students.
With the clock ticking down to the new academic year, candidates hoping to secure a spot in Nigeria’s higher institutions are now faced with crucial deadlines to meet.
In an announcement made on January 28, 2025, JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that the sale of UTME forms will officially begin on January 31, 2025, and will end on March 5, 2025. Candidates seeking to register for the exam must ensure they complete their registration within this window. Direct Entry candidates will also have a separate registration period from March 10 to April 7, 2025.
Key Dates and Details for 2025 UTME Registration:
- UTME Registration Period: January 31, 2025 – March 5, 2025
- Direct Entry Registration: March 10, 2025 – April 7, 2025
- Mock UTME: April 5, 2025
- Main UTME Exam Dates: April 25, 2025 – May 5, 2025
Professor Oloyede emphasized that the Mock-UTME, which is a preparatory test designed for those registering for the main UTME, will take place on April 5, 2025. However, students who opt to sit for the main exam without participating in the mock exam will pay a reduced fee. For candidates registering for the Mock-UTME, the total cost will be ₦8,200, whereas those opting out of the mock exam will pay ₦7,200.
Understanding the Breakdown of Fees
The JAMB application fees for 2025 are clearly outlined, with costs for various services associated with the registration process:
- UTME/DE Application Fee: ₦3,500
- Reading Text: ₦1,000
- CBT Centre Registration Service Charge: ₦700
- CBT Centre UTME Service Charge: ₦1,500
- CBT Mock Service Charge: ₦1,500
- Bank Charges: ₦500
- CBT Mock-UTME Centre Charge: ₦1,500
With these charges, the total cost for a full UTME registration, including mock exams, amounts to ₦8,200, while those only opting for the main exam will pay ₦7,200.
A New Initiative for Younger Candidates
In a bid to provide a unique opportunity for younger candidates, JAMB has introduced a new feature for the 2025 UTME cycle. This initiative allows candidates who are under the age of 16 to take a mock UTME, providing them with an opportunity to assess their readiness for the exam.
This move, Professor Oloyede pointed out, is not designed to influence their admission status, but rather to offer an early evaluation of their abilities. Underage candidates, particularly those below 16 years, can participate in this mock exercise, though it is not linked to their actual university admission process.
Age Requirements for UTME Candidates
Another key point highlighted by the JAMB Registrar is the age requirement for UTME candidates. According to the board, candidates must be at least 16 years old on or before September 30, 2025, to qualify for admission into any Nigerian tertiary institution.
However, Oloyede clarified that there are exceptions for exceptionally brilliant candidates under 16 years of age. If a candidate under the age of 16 achieves a UTME score of 280 or higher and performs excellently in their Senior Secondary Certificate and post-UTME examinations, they could still be considered for admission.
Expectations for 2025 UTME Candidates
As the dates approach, candidates across the country are expected to start preparing seriously for the 2025 UTME. The exam is one of the most important steps for any student looking to secure a place in a Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college of education.
The news of these registration and examination dates has sparked both excitement and anxiety among potential candidates, many of whom have already begun planning for the big day.
“I have been waiting for the official date,” said Fola Olamide, a prospective UTME candidate from Lagos. “Now that it’s confirmed, I can begin my preparations. I plan to register as soon as the forms are available.”
In Abuja, a group of students expressed similar sentiments, eager to begin the process and prepare their study schedules. “I’ve already been reading my textbooks,” said Chidi Okwu, another hopeful candidate. “Now, I know I have a clear deadline, and I can push myself harder.”
As the exams approach, many candidates are already beginning to strategize their study sessions. From enrolling in coaching centers to forming study groups, the drive to succeed in the UTME is becoming palpable. The Mock-UTME will also provide students with a chance to experience a trial run of the exam format and test their readiness under realistic conditions.
JAMB’s Continued Commitment to Transparency
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has long been committed to ensuring fairness and transparency in the UTME process. As one of Nigeria’s most trusted educational bodies, JAMB’s announcement provides clarity and certainty to candidates and their families.
“We are confident that these dates will help streamline the examination process and allow students to plan their future academic careers with certainty,” said Professor Oloyede. “This announcement also reflects JAMB’s dedication to providing a smooth, fair, and transparent examination process for all candidates.”
Conclusion: A Crucial Step in Nigerian Education
With the announcement of the registration and exam dates, candidates now have the roadmap they need to navigate the UTME process. The 2025 UTME promises to be a landmark event for thousands of young Nigerians aiming for higher education and an opportunity for a brighter future.
As the clock ticks toward January 31, students and their families are bracing for the months ahead, as every detail counts toward securing their academic futures. For many, this is the moment that could change their lives forever.
Key Takeaways for 2025 UTME Candidates:
- UTME Registration Dates: January 31 – March 5, 2025
- Direct Entry Registration: March 10 – April 7, 2025
- Mock UTME: April 5, 2025
- Main UTME Exam Dates: April 25 – May 5, 2025
- Fees: ₦8,200 for Mock UTME + Main UTME, ₦7,200 for Main UTME only
- Age Requirements: Candidates must be 16 years old by September 30, 2025, but exceptions apply for outstanding underage candidates.
