More than two million candidates across Nigeria are set to begin the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) today, Thursday, April 24. According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), a total of 2,030,627 candidates successfully registered for this year’s exam, which is taking place in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
This nationwide examination is the main gateway for students seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. It will run for several days, with candidates scheduled in batches across hundreds of accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres.
The registration window for the 2025 UTME opened on February 3 and closed on March 8, giving candidates five weeks to complete the process. During that period, candidates completed biometric data capture and received their exam slips, which include exam dates, times, and centres.
Earlier in the year, over 200,000 candidates participated in the UTME mock examination, a preparatory exercise aimed at helping students get familiar with the CBT format. However, the mock exam also exposed cases of attempted exam malpractice, which JAMB has vowed to clamp down on.
JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has once again emphasised the importance of studying and honesty, warning candidates to stay away from fraudulent websites and individuals promising access to leaked questions.
“We need to let the students know that the best way to pass the UTME is to study,” Prof. Oloyede stated while monitoring the mock exams earlier in the year. “We are aware of rogue websites asking candidates to pay for access to leaked questions. It cannot work.”
In a strategic move to catch exam cheats, JAMB set up a fake rogue website to identify and sanction dishonest candidates. Prof. Oloyede revealed that about 180 students had already fallen for the trap by paying into a fake account, thinking they would receive exam questions ahead of time.
“To even attempt to cheat is already an infraction, and we are going to deal firmly with them. Their results—both UTME and Direct Entry—will be cancelled,” he warned.
He also reminded candidates that registration by proxy is not allowed and cautioned parents and schools against helping candidates cheat the system. According to him, some schools have been caught manipulating registration and performance data to boost their image.
“UTME is not a school-based examination. We register students individually. We’ve seen instances where governors celebrated results that were not real,” the JAMB boss said.
With the exam now in progress, JAMB is advising all candidates to:
– Arrive at their centres early
– Bring their exam slips and acceptable forms of identification
– Avoid carrying mobile phones or any electronic devices
– Stay away from suspicious individuals or websites offering “expo”
Candidates are also encouraged to familiarise themselves with the rules of CBT exams and avoid panic during the test.
The UTME is one of the most important examinations in Nigeria, as it determines whether candidates can secure admission into higher institutions. It tests students on subjects relevant to their chosen courses of study, such as English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Government, Literature, and more.
After the UTME, candidates must also meet the specific cut-off marks set by institutions and may be required to go through post-UTME screening or interviews, depending on the school.
Each year, JAMB works closely with security agencies, examination centres, and education stakeholders to ensure a smooth and fair process. The exam board has invested heavily in technology to reduce malpractice and ensure that only qualified candidates are admitted into Nigeria’s higher institutions.
JAMB has said it will not release results until after the entire exam period is completed. This is to allow time for proper review and investigation of any reported issues. In the past, the examination board has withheld or cancelled results where malpractice was confirmed.
For candidates, the next few days will be crucial. Many have spent months preparing and are hopeful that their efforts will pay off.
Education stakeholders across the country are also watching closely. With over two million young Nigerians participating in this year’s UTME, the outcome will shape the future of the nation’s universities and other tertiary institutions.
For the over two million candidates taking the UTME, it’s more than just an exam—it’s a chance to take a big step toward their dreams.
