As the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) draws closer, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has made several key announcements and updates that are important for both prospective candidates and educational stakeholders.
From the commencement of the accreditation process for Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres to new policies aimed at streamlining exam operations, JAMB continues to make strides in ensuring a smooth examination cycle. In today’s update, we will provide a detailed look at the latest news and developments from JAMB on November 19th, 2024.
JAMB Begins Accreditation of CBT Centres for 2025 UTME
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially started the process of accrediting Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This development was made public through a statement by Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor.
According to the announcement, CBT centres that successfully passed the accreditation process and participated in the 2024 UTME without any issues are required to indicate their interest in continuing for the 2025 UTME. These established centres can register their intent through JAMB’s Centre Management System (CMS) Portal.
For new CBT centres, JAMB has outlined a series of steps to be followed. First, operators interested in participating must review the requirements for establishing a JAMB-approved CBT centre. These requirements can be accessed via the official JAMB website at https://www.jamb.gov.ng/Pdfs/CBT_centre_requirements.pdf.
Once familiar with the requirements, new centres are expected to notify JAMB in writing of their interest to join the accreditation exercise. This notification must be addressed to the Registrar of JAMB through the respective Zonal Director or State Coordinator.
As part of the accreditation process, all CBT centres, both new and established, must undergo an Autobot/Autotest. The date for this test will be communicated by JAMB. The Autobot/Autotest is a critical step in ensuring the centres meet technical and operational standards before they qualify for the next stage: a physical accreditation visit by a JAMB inspection team.
Dr. Fabian Benjamin highlighted that the Autobot/Autotest is mandatory. Only centres that successfully complete this test and meet the necessary criteria will proceed to the physical accreditation stage. For centres that fail to achieve satisfactory results during the Autobot/Autotest, there will be no opportunity for a repeat evaluation.
The physical accreditation exercise is scheduled to take place in December 2024. During this phase, JAMB officials will visit the centres to verify compliance with all required standards. Centres that meet the stipulated criteria during this phase will receive approval to participate in the 2025 UTME. These approved centres will play a key role in the registration and examination processes for the 2025 UTME candidates.
In the statement, Dr. Benjamin urged CBT centre operators to take the process seriously, ensuring that their facilities and operations comply fully with JAMB’s guidelines. The Board remains committed to maintaining high standards for CBT centres, ensuring a smooth and efficient examination process for all candidates.
This latest step reflects JAMB’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the UTME system and maintain credibility in the examination process. By ensuring that CBT centres are well-equipped and meet the required standards, JAMB aims to provide a seamless and fair testing experience for candidates across the country.
The Board also emphasized the importance of early preparation for centre operators, noting that delays in meeting requirements could result in exclusion from the list of approved centres. Centre operators are encouraged to collaborate closely with their Zonal and State Offices to ensure a smooth registration and accreditation process.
With this accreditation exercise underway, JAMB is once again demonstrating its commitment to upholding the integrity of its examination processes while leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and transparency.
Education Minister Reverses Policy on 18-Year Entry Age for University Admission
The Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu Olatunji Alausa, has reversed the policy requiring students to be at least 18 years old to gain admission into Nigerian universities. The controversial policy, introduced by the former Education Minister, Professor Tahir Mamman, had faced widespread criticism.
While addressing journalists on Tuesday during his first official briefing as Education Minister, Dr. Alausa explained that the 18-year age limit was not in line with the federal government’s efforts to tackle the problem of out-of-school children. He stated that the policy was not practical for Nigeria’s education sector and would instead maintain the previous age limit of 16 years for university entry.
The minister further clarified that exceptions would be made for exceptionally gifted children who demonstrate the capacity to thrive in higher education despite being younger than 16. This adjustment, according to him, is aimed at ensuring inclusiveness and accommodating the diverse needs of Nigerian students.
In addition to reversing the age policy, Dr. Alausa announced a major shift in the country’s approach to education. He emphasized the need to make Nigeria’s education system more practical, stating that it would now adopt a structure of 80 percent practical learning and 20 percent theoretical instruction. He argued that a hands-on approach would better prepare students for the realities of the job market and reduce the growing issue of graduate unemployment in the country.
According to the minister, the current system, which heavily emphasizes classroom learning, does not equip students with the skills needed to succeed in Nigeria’s competitive job market. He noted that by focusing on practical education, tertiary institutions would produce graduates who are more capable of contributing meaningfully to the economy.
To achieve this goal, Dr. Alausa announced plans to collaborate with private sector players to provide practical training opportunities for students. This partnership is expected to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry demands, helping students unleash their potential and become job creators rather than job seekers.
Dr. Alausa’s appointment as Education Minister came after last month’s cabinet reshuffle, during which his predecessor, Professor Tahir Mamman, exited the position. Prior to this role, Dr. Alausa served as the Minister of State for Health.
His recent policy changes have already sparked discussions among educators, parents, and students. While some have applauded the decision to lower the entry age as a step towards inclusivity, others remain focused on how the proposed shift to practical education will be implemented across Nigeria’s schools and universities.
As Dr. Alausa continues to shape his vision for the education sector, stakeholders are eager to see how these reforms will impact the system and contribute to addressing key challenges such as youth unemployment, out-of-school children, and the quality of education in the country.
First-Class Graduates Share Valuable Tips on Excelling in JAMB and WAEC Exams
Preparing for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams can be a challenge for many students. These exams play a big role in shaping their academic future, and passing them with good scores is important for admission into higher institutions. To help students on this journey, two first-class graduates, Udeh Ifeanyi Monday and Chukwuemeka John Okparaeke, have shared their tips on how they succeeded and what students can do to improve their chances of scoring high.
Udeh Ifeanyi Monday, who graduated with a first-class degree in Accounting from the University of Uyo, shared how his journey began with a setback. In his first attempt at JAMB, he scored 182, a result that was far from what he needed. He admitted that his low score was because he did not prepare well enough and didn’t spend time practicing past questions. However, he decided to make a change. He focused on working through past questions, created a steady study plan, and stayed consistent. His effort paid off, as he scored 307 in his second attempt.
According to Udeh, preparation and practice made the difference. He advised students to start early and work on building a strong understanding of the key subjects tested in both JAMB and WAEC. He also emphasized the importance of past questions, explaining that they help students become familiar with the types of questions to expect. He encouraged students to seek guidance from teachers and remain focused on their goals. Udeh’s advice was simple: don’t just study once in a while, but make studying a regular habit.
Similarly, Chukwuemeka John Okparaeke, a first-class graduate in Computer Science from the University of Ibadan, shared his experience and what worked for him. Chukwuemeka, who graduated with a CGPA of 3.82 out of 4.00, pointed out the importance of studying past questions when preparing for JAMB and WAEC. He explained that past questions are not just helpful but necessary for students who want to do well. He admitted that during his preparation, he initially underestimated how much studying past questions could help. This nearly affected his performance, but once he realized their importance, he began to use them as a key part of his study routine.
Chukwuemeka explained that going through past questions helps students understand how the exams are structured and what to expect. He also noted that students should go beyond just glancing at the questions. Instead, they should take time to practice them thoroughly and understand why certain answers are correct. He said this method not only prepares students for the exams but also builds their confidence.
The stories of these two graduates show that success in JAMB and WAEC is possible with the right approach. Both Udeh and Chukwuemeka highlighted that hard work, consistent preparation, and the use of past questions are effective strategies for achieving high scores. They also agreed that it’s important for students to stay focused and not let distractions derail their plans.
Students preparing for these exams can learn a lot from Udeh and Chukwuemeka’s experiences. They should aim to build a study routine that includes regular practice of past questions, revising what they’ve learned, and staying consistent. It’s also helpful to set realistic goals and track progress over time. Asking for help from teachers or mentors when faced with difficult topics can also make a big difference.
Passing JAMB and WAEC may not be easy, but with dedication and the right strategies, students can improve their chances of success. Both Udeh and Chukwuemeka have proven that it’s possible to turn challenges into victories with proper preparation and a positive mindset. Students should take these lessons seriously as they prepare for their exams, knowing that their efforts today can open the doors to a bright future.
Sokoto Prepares 151 Girls for 2025 JAMB Examination
Sokoto State has launched an initiative to prepare 151 secondary school girls for the 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination. This effort is being led by the Sokoto Education Development Trust Fund and aims to equip these young women with the tools they need to excel academically and secure brighter futures.
The program was officially inaugurated by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Mohammad Tukur Alkali, who expressed the state’s strong commitment to improving access to quality education for girls. He emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader effort to empower young women through education and provide them with opportunities to succeed in life.
Hon. Alkali, during his remarks, highlighted how investing in girls’ education is a key strategy for driving long-term development in the state. He urged the participants to make the most of the program and remain focused on their studies. According to him, initiatives like this not only prepare students for exams but also lay the groundwork for future achievements in academics and beyond.
The training program is a reflection of Sokoto State’s larger goals to improve educational outcomes and ensure that students, particularly girls, are adequately prepared for higher education. By focusing on empowering young women, the state is taking a significant step toward bridging the gender gap in education and fostering a generation of confident, well-educated women ready to contribute to society.
The event was graced by notable dignitaries, including representatives from UNICEF, the Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, and other key stakeholders in the education sector. Their presence underscored the importance of collaboration in driving educational development and promoting gender empowerment in the state.
UNICEF representatives applauded the program, stating that initiatives like these are vital for addressing the challenges many girls face in accessing quality education. They reiterated their commitment to supporting Sokoto State’s efforts to improve education for girls and ensure that they are not left behind.
The Sokoto Education Development Trust Fund is committed to ensuring that the selected girls receive the best preparation possible. The program includes intensive coaching sessions in key subjects, practice tests, and guidance to build their confidence and readiness for the JAMB examination. By focusing on these areas, the program aims to give the girls a competitive edge and help them achieve excellent results.
This initiative is not just about preparing for an exam; it is part of a larger vision to inspire a culture of learning and excellence among young women in Sokoto State. The state government, in partnership with other stakeholders, is sending a clear message about the value of education and the role it plays in shaping the future of individuals and communities.
The girls who are part of this program represent a bright future for Sokoto State. Their success in the upcoming JAMB examination could open doors to higher education and create opportunities that will benefit them and their families. With the support of the state government, educators, and partners, these young women are being given a chance to rise above challenges and achieve their dreams.
This program is another example of how Sokoto State is leading efforts to prioritize education and invest in the potential of its youth. By focusing on empowering girls, the state is making a bold statement about its commitment to building a more inclusive and prosperous society.
Conclusion
As we move forward towards the 2025 UTME, JAMB’s ongoing efforts to enhance the examination process and ensure that both students and centres are well-prepared for the exam are commendable. With the accreditation of CBT centres underway and new policies in place, it is clear that JAMB is committed to maintaining high standards and improving the overall experience for candidates. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the examination date, and ensure that you are up to date with all the necessary information for a successful UTME journey.