The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has suspended two Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for violating registration procedures in the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The affected centres are the Federal College of Education (Technical) in Potiskum, Yobe State, and another CBT centre in Otukpo, Benue State.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by JAMB spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the suspension took effect on February 4 and will last for 14 days, running until February 17.
Violation of Registration Procedures
JAMB revealed that the suspension resulted from “a significant procedural breach that compromises the security measures put in place to protect the integrity of the registration process.”
The board emphasized that all CBT centres must ensure candidates manually fill out their registration details on paper before the information is uploaded onto JAMB’s registration portal. This method, according to JAMB, serves as a safeguard in the event of any dispute over the data provided.
However, some CBT centres have reportedly ignored these regulations in a bid to increase their registration numbers. Instead of following the stipulated guidelines, these centres have been accused of uploading blank templates, a practice that JAMB considers a serious infraction.
JAMB Issues Stern Warning
“This suspension serves as a stern warning to any centre considering similar actions,” JAMB stated. “Any centre found uploading blank templates in the future will face cancellation and will be barred from participating in the board’s activities.”
The board insisted that strict adherence to the rules was essential to maintaining the credibility of the UTME registration process.
Background and Context
JAMB, the body responsible for conducting entrance examinations into Nigerian tertiary institutions, has had a long history of battling irregularities in the UTME process. Over the years, several CBT centres have been delisted or suspended due to malpractice, including impersonation, multiple registrations, and fraudulent activities.
The introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) in 2013 was meant to curb these issues and enhance efficiency. However, cases of malpractice have persisted, leading JAMB to implement stricter monitoring and control measures.
The 2025 UTME registration, which began on February 3, is expected to run until March 8, with thousands of candidates across Nigeria relying on CBT centres to complete their registration process.
Candidates Express Concern
The suspension of the two centres has raised concerns among some candidates who fear it could affect their registration process. A prospective UTME candidate, Yusuf Adekunle, lamented the impact of such suspensions on students, stating:
“Many of us rely on these centres because they are the only ones available in our locations. If more centres are suspended, it could cause delays and unnecessary stress for candidates.”
Another candidate, Hauwa Ibrahim, urged JAMB to focus on better oversight rather than suspensions. “While I understand that rules must be followed, JAMB should also ensure that there are enough registration centres to accommodate students, especially in rural areas,” she said.
JAMB’s Crackdown on Exam Malpractice
This latest development is part of JAMB’s broader efforts to eliminate fraudulent activities in the UTME registration and examination process. In previous years, the board has implemented policies such as the National Identification Number (NIN) requirement, biometric verification, and CCTV monitoring to tackle cheating and impersonation.
Despite these measures, reports of malpractice have continued, prompting JAMB to introduce harsher penalties for erring centres. In 2023, the board blacklisted 15 CBT centres for similar offenses, signaling a no-tolerance stance on exam irregularities.
Way Forward
JAMB has assured candidates that the suspension of the two centres will not affect the overall registration timeline. The board encouraged affected candidates to visit alternative CBT centres to complete their registration before the March 8 deadline.
JAMB also reiterated its commitment to ensuring a seamless and transparent UTME process, stating, “We will continue to monitor all CBT centres and take necessary action to prevent infractions that could compromise the integrity of the examination.”
As the 2025 UTME registration continues, the message from JAMB is clear: compliance with regulations is non-negotiable, and any centre found flouting the rules will face swift consequences.
