The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that all candidates will be required to write the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) within the state where they registered for the exam.
This assurance was given by Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, during a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
Benjamin explained that although a few candidates were assigned to centres outside their states of registration for the mock exam, this adjustment was due to limited availability of Computer Based Test (CBT) centres during the mock exercise.
“If centres for mock in Abuja are filled up and there were available centres in Nassarawa State, candidates will be sent there,” he said.
He emphasized that this would not apply to the main examination, as more centres would be operational, ensuring that no candidate is posted outside their state of registration or residence.
Addressing concerns raised by some candidates, Benjamin also highlighted the importance of early registration, noting that it influences centre allocation.
Candidates who register late may be assigned to any available centre within their registered state if nearby centres are already filled.
He said, “This is not likely to happen in the main examination because there will be more centres conducting the main examination and so, no candidate will be sent outside their state of residence.”
Benjamin also spoke on the challenges encountered during the recent mock exams.
In a previous statement issued on Sunday, he acknowledged delays and disruptions, attributing them to new features introduced by the board.
“The mock examination serves as a trial version of the UTME, allowing the board to test new innovations while helping candidates familiarise themselves with the CBT environment,” he stated.
“Over the years, this initiative has successfully achieved its objectives, addressing noted lapses and equipping candidates with valuable experience for the main examination.”
He urged candidates to remain patient and committed in order to benefit from the improved examination experience.
“JAMB urges all candidates to continue making the necessary sacrifices to ensure a better examination experience that effectively serves their interests,” Benjamin concluded.
The 2025 UTME is scheduled to commence on April 25.
