UTME 2025 Kicks Off at CBT Centres in FCT, Nationwide

The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), commenced on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and other parts of Nigeria. The examination, originally slated to begin on April 25, was rescheduled to start a day earlier, prompting JAMB to allow candidates to reprint their notification slips to confirm their updated schedules.

Over 1.9 million candidates are registered to participate in the 2025 UTME, which serves as a critical gateway for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. The examination is being conducted at 747 accredited CBT centres nationwide, with 27 of these located in the FCT. The UTME is designed to assess candidates’ knowledge, speed, and accuracy through a total of 180 questions to be answered within two hours. The scoring system ranges from 0 to 400, with results playing a significant role in determining candidates’ eligibility for their chosen courses and institutions.

Varied Candidate Experiences

Reports from CBT centres in the FCT highlighted a range of experiences during the registration and examination processes. At the Global Learning Institute in Jahi, Abuja, candidates like Master Victor Okorie, a 17-year-old aspiring computer scientist, described the registration process as seamless and efficient. Okorie expressed confidence in his preparation, aiming to score above 300 to secure admission to his preferred university. Similarly, Miss Favour Audu, another candidate at the same centre, praised the smooth registration process and her readiness to tackle the exam.

However, not all candidates had a smooth experience. At the Future Gate CBT centre in Abuja, some candidates faced challenges during registration. Miss Peace Okorie, an aspiring law student, reported being redirected to another centre after completing her registration, which caused confusion. Another candidate, Mr. David Jonah, encountered issues due to not having a profile code, a mandatory requirement for UTME registration. Despite these hiccups, candidates at various centres expressed optimism about their performance and the opportunity to advance their academic aspirations.

Rigorous Accreditation for CBT Centres

JAMB has emphasized the stringent measures in place to ensure the integrity and efficiency of the examination process. According to Mr. Yusuf Lawal, Director of ICT at JAMB, all CBT centres undergo a thorough accreditation process to verify their technical and infrastructural capabilities. This includes the use of Autobot/Autotest technology to assess centres’ systems and physical inspections to confirm compliance with JAMB’s standards. Lawal noted that centres failing to meet these requirements are excluded from hosting the examination.

In the FCT, the 27 accredited CBT centres are equipped to handle the large volume of candidates, with measures in place to ensure a hitch-free examination process. JAMB has also deployed advanced monitoring systems to curb malpractices, including the use of biometric verification and real-time surveillance at testing centres.

Broader Context and Candidate Sentiments

The UTME remains a pivotal moment for millions of Nigerian youths seeking to further their education. Candidates like Miss Blessing Audu, who aims to study medicine, expressed determination to excel despite the competitive nature of the exam. Others, such as Master Joshua Akpan, voiced concerns about logistical challenges but remained hopeful about achieving high scores.

The rescheduling of the exam to April 24 caught some candidates off guard, but JAMB’s proactive communication through its official channels and the option to reprint notification slips helped mitigate confusion. The board has also urged candidates to adhere to examination guidelines, arrive early at their designated centres, and avoid prohibited items such as mobile phones to prevent disqualification.

Looking Ahead

As the 2025 UTME progresses, JAMB continues to work closely with CBT centre operators, security agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and credible examination process. The results of the UTME are expected to be released in the coming weeks, with candidates eagerly awaiting their scores to proceed with the next steps in the admission process, including the Post-UTME screenings conducted by individual institutions.

For now, the focus remains on the ongoing examinations, with candidates across the FCT and beyond putting their preparation to the test. The 2025 UTME underscores JAMB’s commitment to leveraging technology and rigorous standards to facilitate a fair and efficient admission process for Nigeria’s future leaders.