Education
JAMB shuts door on late UTME registration, leaves thousands stranded”
DDM News

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that over 1.5 million candidates have successfully registered for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Diaspora digital media (DDM) revealed that with the registration deadline fast approaching on March 8, JAMB has urged prospective candidates to complete their registration early to avoid last-minute complications.
The registration process for the 2025 UTME commenced on February 3 and will officially close on March 8, 2025, without any extension.
JAMB’s spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, made this disclosure in a press statement on Tuesday, stressing that the deadline had been widely publicized.
He reiterated that the registration timeline had been clearly outlined in JAMB’s official advertisements and academic calendar for the 2025 UTME.
“We want to make it clear to all prospective candidates that the registration period will not be extended under any circumstances,” Benjamin stated.
He noted that the reminder became necessary due to a noticeable decline in the number of candidates completing their UTME registration in recent days.
According to him, many candidates tend to delay the registration process, only to face difficulties when the deadline draws near.
Benjamin confirmed that over 1.5 million candidates had already registered, which aligns with JAMB’s initial projections for the 2025 UTME cycle.
He emphasized that JAMB operates on a strict schedule, and all activities, including the conduct of UTME, result processing, and admissions, are meticulously planned.
“Every stage of our process is interconnected with other agencies that depend on our timeline. Extending the registration period will disrupt these plans,” he explained.
He further stressed that any delay in UTME registration would not only affect JAMB’s operations but also impact tertiary institutions relying on JAMB’s schedule for admissions.
“In view of this, we strongly advise all candidates to complete their registration as soon as possible and adhere to the March 8 deadline,” Benjamin added.
JAMB has maintained that its registration deadline is final, and no candidate will be allowed to register after the stipulated date.
The Board has also warned candidates against waiting until the last few days, as this could lead to congestion at registration centers.
Over the years, many candidates who delayed registration faced challenges such as network failures, biometric verification issues, and overcrowding at registration centers.
JAMB has reassured the public that all accredited registration centers across the country are functioning optimally to facilitate a seamless UTME registration process.
To assist candidates, JAMB has provided helplines and online support services where they can seek guidance on any registration-related issues.
The Board has also urged parents and guardians to encourage their wards to complete the registration process without delay.
According to JAMB, compliance with registration guidelines will ensure that candidates do not encounter avoidable problems when sitting for the 2025 UTME.
The Board emphasized the importance of accuracy during registration, advising candidates to verify all details before final submission.
Errors such as incorrect names, wrong date of birth, or inaccurate subject combinations could negatively impact UTME results and admissions processing.
JAMB has also issued a strong warning against candidates patronizing cybercafés or unauthorized agents for UTME registration.
Only accredited registration centers are authorized to process UTME registrations to ensure compliance with security and verification protocols.
The Board has implemented strict biometric verification measures to prevent cases of impersonation and exam malpractice in the UTME.
Candidates are also required to provide their National Identification Numbers (NIN) as part of the mandatory registration requirements.
JAMB has collaborated with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to streamline the NIN verification process for candidates.
To ease registration difficulties, technical support has been made available at all accredited UTME registration centers.
Benjamin assured candidates that the registration process had been optimized to accommodate the large number of applicants expected before the deadline.
However, he warned that any candidate who fails to complete registration before March 8 will not be permitted to sit for the 2025 UTME.
JAMB has also reiterated that UTME serves as the primary requirement for securing admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
As such, every candidate seeking admission must ensure they complete all necessary registration steps within the specified timeline.
With the deadline approaching, JAMB has intensified its public awareness campaigns to remind candidates of the importance of timely registration.
The Board has been utilizing social media platforms, radio, television, and newspaper advertisements to reach as many candidates as possible.
Education stakeholders have commended JAMB’s firm stance on maintaining a structured and efficient examination timetable.
JAMB’s insistence on strict deadlines is aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the UTME process.
Universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country depend on JAMB’s schedule to facilitate smooth academic planning.
Extending the registration period would create unnecessary delays in the entire admission process, affecting institutions and students alike.
To ensure fairness, JAMB has emphasized that all registered candidates will have equal opportunities to sit for the UTME.
The Board has assured the public that its commitment to conducting a credible and transparent examination remains unchanged.
JAMB has also urged candidates to take advantage of mock UTME examinations to familiarize themselves with the test format.
Mock UTME is designed to help candidates practice under real exam conditions and improve their confidence before the main examination.
The Board has continued to receive positive feedback from past candidates who benefited from the mock UTME sessions.
JAMB has also warned against the use of illegal UTME preparatory centers that engage in unethical examination practices.
Candidates have been encouraged to study diligently and rely on officially recommended UTME preparation materials.
As the March 8 deadline draws closer, JAMB has assured candidates of its readiness to support them through the final days of registration.
The Board has reminded candidates that adherence to all guidelines will ensure a smooth and stress-free UTME registration process.
With over 1.5 million candidates already registered, JAMB expects a high turnout for the 2025 UTME.
All prospective candidates are advised to complete their registration promptly to avoid last-minute technical glitches.
JAMB remains committed to providing a seamless, transparent, and credible UTME process for all candidates in the 2025 examination cycle.
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