JAMB to Conduct Mop-Up UTME for Absent Candidates

Abuja,Nigeria:The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to organize a mop-up Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for candidates who were unable to participate in the 2025 exercise.

JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this during a stakeholder meeting in Abuja, held to review challenges encountered during the recent examination cycle. According to Oloyede, the initiative will accommodate the estimated 5–6% of candidates who missed the exam, regardless of the reasons for their absence.

“We have resolved to conduct a nationwide mop-up for all candidates who were unable to sit for the UTME. This is a standard annual practice, and we are extending the opportunity to those who missed the initial schedule,” he stated.

Responding to concerns about the speed of the rescheduling, the Registrar emphasized the urgency due to Nigeria’s tightly packed academic calendar. He explained that delays would significantly disrupt the flow of subsequent national examinations, including the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), the National Examination Council (NECO) exam, and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) assessments—all of which involve overlapping groups of students.

“Critics of the swift rescheduling lack an understanding of the academic structure. Once JAMB completes its UTME, WASSCE, NECO, and NABTEB follow almost immediately. Delaying any part of the process would create serious scheduling conflicts,” Oloyede explained.

Addressing broader concerns, Oloyede reiterated his commitment to fairness and institutional integrity, dismissing allegations of bias or favoritism in managing the examination process. He reaffirmed that decisions are guided by national interest and a responsibility to the students.

“The emotional reactions some may have seen are not signs of weakness. They reflect the weight of our responsibility. Our staff, regardless of origin, are professionals who have faithfully served the system for years,” he added.

The Registrar reaffirmed JAMB’s commitment to resolving all challenges affecting the UTME and ensuring equitable access for all candidates.

By Taiwo Olatinwo/ May 21,2025