The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clarified that no candidate will be assigned to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) outside the state where they registered for the exam.
This assurance was given by Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, during a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to Benjamin, the confusion arose after some candidates who participated in the recently held 2025 JAMB mock exam were assigned to centres outside their registration states. He explained that this arrangement was specific to the mock exam and would not occur during the main UTME.
Mock Relocations Were Temporary
Benjamin said the mock relocation was a result of limited available CBT centres during the mock phase. Where centres in a candidate’s state (e.g., Abuja) were filled up, they were redirected to nearby available centres in neighbouring states like Nasarawa.
“If centres for mock in Abuja are filled up and there were available centres in Nasarawa State, candidates will be sent there,” he explained.
He added that this would not happen in the main UTME, as all registered CBT centres will be fully active and able to accommodate the expected number of candidates.
Early Registration Still Matters
Benjamin further explained that the timing of UTME registration plays a big role in centre allocation. Candidates who register early have a higher chance of being assigned to a centre close to their home, while late registrants may have to settle for centres farther away, though still within their state of registration.
Challenges During Mock Were Expected
Earlier, JAMB had acknowledged the delays and technical challenges experienced by some candidates during the April 10 mock examination. These, the board said, were anticipated due to the testing of new features ahead of the main UTME.
“The mock examination serves as a trial version of the UTME, allowing the Board to test new innovations while helping candidates familiarise themselves with the CBT environment,” Benjamin said.
Despite the issues, he noted that the mock exam successfully achieved its objective of identifying system gaps and preparing candidates for the main examination.
UTME 2025 Begins April 25
JAMB reminded all candidates that the main UTME will commence on April 25, 2025, and urged students to continue preparing while remaining alert to official updates.
“JAMB urges all candidates to continue making the necessary sacrifices to ensure a better examination experience that effectively serves their interests,” the board noted.
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