2025 UTME: No Extension for Registration Deadline – JAMB

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has ruled out any extension of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration deadline, stating that the process has been seamless and ahead of schedule.

JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made this announcement on Friday in Lagos while monitoring registration activities at various Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across the city.

No Need for Extension – JAMB

Oloyede emphasized that JAMB has never experienced a smoother, faster, and more efficient registration process than this year’s UTME registration.

“Previously, we had cases of network failure, power outages, and other technical issues. But this year, the process has been very fast and smooth, and we expect it to continue this way until the end,” he said.

With 2 million candidates expected to register between February 3 and March 3, JAMB set a daily registration target of 60,000 candidates. However, according to Oloyede, the registration numbers have far exceeded expectations.

“As of Friday afternoon, we had already registered 782,027 candidates across 856 accredited centres nationwide within just 10 days. On Thursday alone, we registered close to 100,000 candidates, which means we will complete the process long before our deadline,” he added.

Record-Breaking Daily Registrations

For the first time in JAMB history, the board has successfully registered over 80,000 candidates daily, surpassing the initial 60,000-per-day target.

Oloyede stressed that this achievement eliminates the need for any registration extension, reassuring candidates that the process remains efficient and uninterrupted.

JAMB’s Policy on Underage Candidates

Oloyede also addressed concerns about underage candidates, revealing that 11,553 applicants registered despite being below the official minimum age of 16 for university admission.

However, JAMB has a policy allowing exceptionally gifted underage candidates to register, provided they can prove their academic capability.

“We have made a mockery of age limitations in Nigeria, but globally, it is different. Exceptional students exist—perhaps one in a million—and we should not close the door on them,” he explained.

Candidates Without O’Level Results Can Register

The JAMB Registrar further clarified that candidates without their O’Level results but who wish to familiarize themselves with the CBT format are still allowed to register for the exam.

“We don’t deny such candidates the opportunity to register. The UTME is an individual-based exam, not a school-based one, and anyone can take it at any accredited CBT centre nationwide,” he said.

Warning Against Extortion at CBT Centres

Oloyede urged candidates to beware of fraudulent individuals trying to extort money from applicants during the registration process. He assured the public that JAMB maintains strict oversight over accredited centres to ensure fairness and transparency.

With the 2025 UTME registration proceeding smoothly, JAMB remains firm on its decision not to extend the deadline, encouraging candidates to complete their registration within the five-week timeframe.