The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially postponed the registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), affecting millions of prospective candidates nationwide. Initially scheduled to begin on Friday, January 31, 2025, the registration exercise will now commence on Monday, February 3, 2025. This decision comes as JAMB implements crucial adjustments to its registration process, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with recent policy changes.
JAMB has cited multiple reasons for this postponement, the first being the recent suspension of certain law programs in selected universities as directed by the Council for Legal Education. The Board needed to integrate these changes into its system before opening the registration portal, ensuring that candidates applying for law-related courses in the affected institutions are well-informed. The postponement also allows JAMB to finalize updates that will prevent errors in the admission process, avoiding complications for students who may unknowingly apply for suspended programs.
Additionally, JAMB has uncovered irregularities in some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers that were initially approved to conduct the UTME. The Board discovered that some of these centers had obtained accreditation through deceptive means, misrepresenting their facilities and capabilities to meet JAMB’s strict requirements. As a result, JAMB has initiated a comprehensive review of all accredited CBT centers, disapproving those that fail to meet the required standards. This move is aimed at eliminating fraudulent centers and ensuring that candidates sit for their examinations in secure and well-equipped environments, thereby preventing technical issues or potential malpractice.
While this change may cause temporary inconvenience to candidates and their families, JAMB has assured the public that the additional time before registration will be used to implement necessary corrections. The Board remains committed to conducting a seamless and credible registration exercise, reinforcing its mission to maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education admission system. Candidates are encouraged to use this period to prepare adequately, gather the necessary registration documents, and verify their university choices to avoid complications, particularly those applying for law programs.
JAMB has also urged candidates to remain vigilant and avoid registering at unapproved CBT centers, as fraudulent operators often exploit changes in registration timelines to deceive unsuspecting applicants. The Board has advised all prospective candidates to rely only on its official website and verified communication channels for accurate updates.
This postponement highlights JAMB’s continuous efforts to refine the UTME process, ensuring that all registered candidates participate under standardized conditions free from fraud or administrative lapses. As the new registration date approaches, stakeholders, parents, and candidates must stay informed and make the necessary adjustments to align with the revised timeline. The Board’s proactive measures signal a commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s education sector and maintaining global best practices in university admission
