The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recorded a historic number of candidates for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with over 2,030,627 students set to sit for the examination across the country.
This is the highest number of applications ever received by JAMB in its history of conducting the UTME, surpassing last year’s figure of over 1.9 million applicants.
The examination, which serves as the gateway for admission into Nigeria’s higher institutions, will commence on April 25 and will be held in more than 700 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers nationwide.
JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, confirmed the development while speaking to journalists in Abuja. He stated that the registration for the 2025 UTME officially closed on March 8, with a total of 2,030,627 candidates successfully registered for the examination.
Young Candidates Among the Applicants
Among the candidates registered, 41,026 applicants are below the age of 16. This highlights the increasing number of young students attempting the UTME, a trend that has been observed in recent years. While the official age requirement for tertiary education in Nigeria is usually 16 years, some candidates who excel academically find themselves taking the examination at an earlier age.
Dr. Benjamin also noted that these figures exclude foreign students who have registered to take the examination outside Nigeria. He emphasized that JAMB continues to make provisions for Nigerian students in the diaspora who wish to pursue higher education in the country.
Mock Examination Set for April 5
As part of efforts to prepare candidates for the UTME, JAMB has scheduled an optional mock examination on April 5. Over 200,115 candidates have registered to participate in this trial test. The mock exam allows students to familiarize themselves with the computer-based system and experience the examination setting before the main UTME.
JAMB introduced the mock examination in recent years to help candidates adapt to the digital format and reduce exam-day anxiety. Many students take advantage of this opportunity to assess their preparedness before the actual test.
Direct Entry Registration to Begin Soon
In addition to the UTME registration, JAMB is set to begin the registration process for Direct Entry (DE) candidates. Dr. Benjamin confirmed that the board would commence DE registration immediately after completing the UTME registration process. The Direct Entry examination is for students seeking admission into Nigerian universities through alternative qualifications, such as the National Diploma (ND), National Certificate of Education (NCE), or A-level results.
Why the Surge in UTME Applications?
The increase in the number of UTME candidates can be attributed to several factors, including Nigeria’s growing youth population and the rising demand for higher education. More students are completing their secondary school education and seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Additionally, the government’s continuous emphasis on education as a tool for national development has encouraged more students to pursue tertiary education. Parents and guardians are also playing a key role in ensuring that their children register for the UTME as part of their academic journey.
Challenges and Expectations
With the record-breaking number of applicants, there are concerns about the capacity of CBT centers to accommodate all candidates efficiently. In past years, issues such as technical glitches, server failures, and cases of malpractice have been recorded. However, JAMB has assured Nigerians that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure a smooth conduct of the 2025 UTME.
The board has continued to upgrade its facilities and improve its examination processes to reduce cases of malpractice and technical disruptions. In previous years, JAMB introduced features such as biometric verification and CCTV surveillance at CBT centers to curb examination malpractices.
Parents and candidates have expressed mixed reactions to the growing competition in UTME applications. While some students are confident in their preparation, others are concerned about the increasing cut-off marks set by institutions due to the high number of applicants.
The Role of Tertiary Institutions in Absorbing More Students
As the number of UTME candidates continues to rise, tertiary institutions face the challenge of providing enough admission slots. Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education have limited spaces, leading to a highly competitive admission process. In recent years, only a fraction of UTME candidates have been able to secure admission into their preferred institutions.
To address this issue, education stakeholders have called for the expansion of existing institutions, the establishment of new universities, and the improvement of technical and vocational education to provide alternative learning pathways for students.
JAMB’s Commitment to a Transparent Process
JAMB has reiterated its commitment to conducting a fair and transparent examination process. The board has consistently worked towards reducing cases of malpractice and improving the credibility of the UTME.
Dr. Benjamin assured candidates and their parents that the board remains focused on ensuring a smooth exercise. He urged candidates to prepare adequately and avoid falling for fraudsters who claim to have access to UTME questions. He emphasized that JAMB does not condone any form of examination malpractice and that strict penalties await those caught engaging in fraudulent activities.
Advice for Candidates
With the UTME fast approaching, education experts have advised candidates to take their studies seriously and make use of available resources. Many students have enrolled in tutorial centers, while others rely on JAMB’s past questions and online study materials to enhance their preparation.
Candidates are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with the CBT format to avoid challenges on the examination day. Those who have registered for the mock examination are advised to take it seriously, as it serves as an opportunity to test their readiness.
