The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) continues the 2025 UTME registration, with important updates and developments emerging daily. As candidates strive to complete their registration, staying informed about the latest updates is crucial. In today’s news update for February 10, 2025, we provide key insights on registration progress, challenges faced by candidates, and the latest announcements from JAMB to ensure a smooth application process.
JAMB Warns Exam Centres Against Night-Time Registration of Candidates
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to examination centres against conducting night-time registrations for candidates applying for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Security Concerns Over Late-Night Registrations
In a statement released by Fabian Benjamin, JAMB spokesperson, the Board emphasized that accommodating a large number of candidates should not come at the expense of their security and safety.
JAMB identified 10 examination centres that were found culpable of engaging in night-time registrations:
- Thomas Adewumi University, Kwara State
- CBT Centre Otukpo, Benue
- Ebenezer International School, Rivers
- Jigawa State College of Education, Jigawa
- Lafiagi Emirate Information Technology & Innovation Hub, Kwara
- Zulqud Consult Ltd (ZCL CBT Centre), Government Secondary School, Lugbe Bridge
- Klinnicapps Academy, formerly Christian Secondary Commercial School, Rivers
- Sani Mikaila Comprehensive College, Plateau
- Beeps Technology Limited, Cross River
- FZX Media Consulting Limited, Cross River
JAMB made it clear that while it appreciates the enthusiasm of these centres in accommodating many candidates, security must not be compromised.
JAMB’s Commitment to Exam Integrity
The Board stated that it will continue to take decisive actions to address this issue and safeguard the integrity of the UTME exercise.
“JAMB will not tolerate any violations of the regulations governing the registration process and will take appropriate measures against any centre engaged in questionable or exploitative practices during this exercise,” Benjamin stated.
JAMB Cautions Parents Against Harassment of Admission Officers
In addition to addressing registration malpractice, JAMB has cautioned parents and candidates against publicly harassing university officials over admission processes.
The Board noted that some parents have alleged that their children were denied admission despite scoring high in their UTME. One of the most recent cases involved Mr. Godwin Nsan, who accused the University of Calabar of unjustly denying his son admission.
However, JAMB revealed that an investigation into the claim showed that Nsan’s son scored 201 in UTME and had an aggregate score of 34%, which was below the university’s admission cut-offs of:
- 55% for Merit
- 35% for Catchment Area
- 35% for ELDS (Educationally Less Developed States)
Despite initially refusing to provide necessary details, Mr. Nsan eventually submitted the required information, confirming that his son did not meet the admission criteria.
JAMB Introduces a Ticketing Platform for Complaints
To streamline the admission inquiry process, JAMB has introduced a Ticketing Platform where candidates and their guardians can seek clarification on admission-related concerns. The Board encouraged all aggrieved parties to use this platform instead of resorting to public protests and harassment.
JAMB reiterated its commitment to fair and transparent admissions and ensuring candidates meet the set criteria before securing admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
High UTME Score Not Enough for University, Polytechnic Admission — JAMB
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reiterated that a high score in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) does not automatically guarantee admission into Nigerian universities and polytechnics.
In a statement issued on Sunday, February 9, 2025, JAMB’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, emphasized that admission decisions depend on multiple factors beyond UTME scores, including O’level results, post-UTME performance, and institutional criteria.
Admission is Based on Multiple Criteria
JAMB stressed that universities rank candidates based on merit, catchment areas, and quotas for Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS).
“A high UTME score alone does not secure admission. Universities consider various criteria, including ranking based on merit, catchment areas, and ELDS quotas,” the statement read.
This clarification follows concerns from candidates and parents who allege that universities deny admission to students despite their high UTME scores.
Recent Cases Addressed by JAMB
JAMB cited specific cases where parents raised concerns about admission decisions:
- University of Calabar Case
- A parent, Godwin Nsan, accused the University of Calabar of unfairly rejecting his son.
- However, JAMB’s investigation revealed that the candidate scored 201 in UTME but had an aggregate score of 34%, falling below the university’s cut-off marks of 55% (Merit) and 35% (Other categories).
- University of Jos (UniJos) Case
- Another candidate who scored 345 in UTME alleged that UniJos denied him admission.
- A review at JAMB headquarters revealed that the candidate ranked 86th, while the university could only admit 68 candidates on merit.
- The candidate’s father later acknowledged the explanation and apologized.
JAMB explained that in some universities, even a UTME score of 345 may rank a candidate as low as 300 due to competition and institutional capacity.
JAMB Urges Candidates to Understand the Admission Process
The board urged parents and candidates to understand that admission is highly competitive and must follow a structured ranking process.
“Admission is competitive, and institutions must adhere to a structured ranking process. We advise parents to seek clarification through the appropriate channels instead of making unfounded allegations,” JAMB stated.
How Candidates Can Challenge Admission Decisions
JAMB reminded candidates that they can challenge admission decisions through its official ‘ticketing platform’, which allows inquiries and appeals.
Ongoing Investigations on Admission Irregularities
Meanwhile, JAMB disclosed that a senior university official is currently being prosecuted for alleged admission-related offences, while four others are under investigation.
The board reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on admission irregularities, assuring Nigerians that it remains committed to a fair and transparent selection process and will take action against any institution or individual engaged in questionable practices.
Unite for Better Development, JAMB Boss Tells Nigerians
The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has called on Nigerians to embrace unity and work together towards fostering national growth and development.
Oloyede made this appeal while speaking at the 15th Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA) National Honour’s Day Programme, themed “Nigeria’s Economic Reforms: Mitigating the Challenges through Sustainable Economic Measures”, held in Ilorin, Kwara State on Saturday.
Unity as a Catalyst for Growth
The JAMB Registrar emphasized that a united society drives economic prosperity and national development. He urged individuals with common faith and values to come together and contribute meaningfully to society.
Furthermore, he encouraged wealthy and privileged individuals to support those in need, stating that extending kindness to the less privileged fosters inclusivity and social cohesion.
Legal Icon Emphasizes the Importance of Doing Good
Also speaking at the event, Professor Yusuf Ali (SAN) highlighted the importance of consistently doing good, noting that many successful individuals started with nothing but have been blessed over time. He encouraged wealthy individuals to instill the habit of assisting the needy in their children to promote societal welfare.
Leveraging Digital Knowledge for Economic Growth
Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Musa Aibinu, Vice Chancellor of Summit University, Offa, stressed the need for digital transformation to enhance Nigeria’s economic development. He advocated for:
- Adoption of digital knowledge to boost economic reforms.
- Knowledge sharing and emerging technology as essential tools for national progress.
- A shift from certificate-based education to a skills-driven system, ensuring self-reliance among graduates.
Recognizing Excellence in Human Development
Several distinguished individuals were honored at the event, including Associate Professor Barakat Raji and Engineer Rahman Amao. The award recipients expressed gratitude, affirming that such recognition motivates them to contribute more to human development and societal advancement.
Oloyede’s call for unity and Professor Aibinu’s advocacy for technological integration underscore the need for collaborative efforts and innovative solutions to drive sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
JAMB Cautions Parents Against False Admission Denial Claims
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has advised parents to refrain from making unfounded allegations against universities regarding the perceived unfair denial of admission to their children.
In a statement released on Sunday, February 4, 2025, by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Board addressed recent complaints, including a widely circulated case involving Mr. Godwin Nsan, who accused the University of Calabar of unjustly denying his son admission.
JAMB Clarifies Admission Criteria
JAMB explained that the candidate in question had scored 201 in UTME with an aggregate score of 34%, which fell below the university’s admission cut-offs of 55% (Merit), 35% (Catchment), and 35% (ELDS).
“He had unduly castigated the university, but when he finally provided the required details, it became clear that his child did not meet the admission criteria,” Dr. Benjamin stated.
More Unfounded Allegations
Similarly, a senior public figure accused Modibbo Adama University, Yola, of admission irregularities, but JAMB’s investigation proved the claims baseless.
In another case, a father alleged that his son, who scored 345 in UTME, was unfairly denied admission by the University of Jos. Upon investigation, JAMB discovered that the candidate ranked 86th, while only 68 candidates could be admitted based on merit. The father later apologized after understanding the ranking process.
Abuse of the ‘Exceptionally Brilliant’ Window
JAMB also warned against misuse of the ‘exceptionally brilliant window’, a category introduced for candidates under 16 years old. The Board noted that many unqualified candidates have been registered under this category, unlike global standards where only a small number of students qualify.
Crackdown on Admission Fraud
Reaffirming its commitment to fair and transparent admissions, JAMB disclosed that a senior university official is currently being prosecuted for admission fraud, with four others under investigation.
“We urge parents to refrain from jumping to conclusions without considering the performance of other candidates. The UTME serves as a ranking examination, determining a candidate’s position within a cohort for the limited available spaces in our nation’s tertiary institutions,” Dr. Benjamin stated.
JAMB has reiterated its stance on transparent and merit-based admissions while urging parents to verify facts before making public allegations. The Board continues to enforce strict measures to ensure credibility, ensuring that only deserving candidates secure admission into tertiary institutions.
JAMB Should Stop Overcharging Admission Seekers – UNILAG Don
A Professor of Comparative Political Economy at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Adelaja Odukoya, has accused the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) of overcharging prospective students in the name of conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Professor Odukoya, who serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Lagos Zone Coordinator of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), made these remarks during the sixth inaugural lecture of the university’s current academic session on Wednesday.
JAMB’s Centralized Admission Process Under Fire
The professor described JAMB’s central admission system as outdated, arguing that it infringes on the principle of university autonomy. According to him, JAMB should not operate as a revenue-generating institution, and universities should have the independence to admit students without undue interference.
“I don’t know why our public universities have turned a blind eye to JAMB’s infractions,” he said. “We are allowing JAMB and its Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, to get away with exploitative charges imposed on helpless admission seekers through unnecessary fees for uploading, downloading, checking of results, and other administrative processes.”
Odukoya emphasized that the money generated from JAMB’s operations rightfully belongs to universities, not JAMB. He called for the abolition of the current centralized admission system, stating that JAMB has outlived its usefulness.
Criticism of JAMB’s Financial Model
The UNILAG don further criticized JAMB’s practice of declaring surplus revenue annually while only a fraction of candidates secure admission into tertiary institutions.
“About two million candidates sit for JAMB’s entrance exam every year, yet only about a quarter secure admission, while JAMB continues to declare surplus revenue,” he said. “JAMB should recognize that its current model has lost value, as the world has moved beyond centralized admission processes.”
Broader Criticism of Nigeria’s Leadership and Economy
Beyond his critique of JAMB, Professor Odukoya also condemned the selfishness and greed of Nigeria’s political class, accusing them of prioritizing personal wealth over national development.
According to him, Africa and Nigeria, despite their vast resources, continue to suffer from poverty, insecurity, corruption, and poor governance due to the excesses of the ruling elite and external influence from the Western world.
He called for a new generation of selfless leaders committed to national progress, urging citizens, professionals, and intellectuals to join hands in demanding accountability and leadership that prioritizes collective well-being.
UNILAG Vice-Chancellor Reacts
Speaking at the event, UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Prof. Bola Oboh, praised Professor Odukoya’s scholarship and activism.
“Professor Odukoya is a fearless defender of the powerless,” she said. “His contributions to the university and his thought-provoking lecture today will undoubtedly inspire critical discussions on Nigeria’s socio-economic and political future.”
With his compelling arguments, Professor Odukoya’s lecture has reignited the debate on JAMB’s role in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, sparking calls for reforms that would enhance university autonomy and reduce the financial burden on admission seekers.
Balarabe Abbas Lawal Foundation Sponsors 1000 Students for JAMB 2025 Registration
In a bid to enhance educational opportunities in Kaduna State and Nigeria, the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has sponsored 1,000 secondary school students for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration through his foundation, the Balarabe Abbas Lawal Foundation.
Empowering Students Through Education
The initiative aims to support financially disadvantaged students who may struggle to afford the mandatory JAMB registration fees, ensuring they have the opportunity to sit for the UTME and pursue higher education.
Our correspondent visited the Federal College of Education (FCE), Zaria CBT Centre (Zone 1) and the Anchau centre in Kubau Local Government Area, where numerous students were seen undergoing registration and biometric thumbprinting.
A Follow-Up to Higher Education Scholarships
Speaking to journalists, Mallam Halilu Hassan, a coordinator of the program, explained that the sponsorship aligns with the Minister’s broader vision to support students at different educational levels. He recalled that just two weeks ago, the Minister awarded scholarships to students in tertiary institutions across Kaduna State.
“This exercise is a continuation of the Minister’s commitment to supporting students. Two weeks ago, he paid school fees for students in tertiary institutions, and now, we are ensuring that secondary school students have access to JAMB registration,” Hassan stated.
He also mentioned that the JAMB registration sponsorship is taking place across multiple zones, including Kaduna and Kafanchan.
Encouragement for Students
Another program coordinator, Umar Yahaya, urged students to take the UTME seriously, as passing the examination would open the doors for them to further their education.
“The Minister is deeply committed to education, and you can see the joy on the students’ faces. This opportunity is a life-changing one, and we encourage them to make the best use of it,” Yahaya emphasized.
Students Express Gratitude
Several students from various secondary schools in Zone 1 expressed appreciation to the Minister for sponsoring their JAMB registration, highlighting how the gesture has given them hope and motivation to excel in their studies.
The initiative is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving education in Nigeria, ensuring that more students have access to quality learning opportunities without financial constraints.
Foundation Offers Free 500 JAMB Forms to Students in Ondo North
In a bid to support education in Ondo North Senatorial District, the Abdul Tunji Muhammed (ATM) Foundation has announced its plan to sponsor the 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) registration for 500 students in Akoko.
The foundation, in a statement released by its organising committee, emphasized that the initiative aims to empower aspiring students by giving them the opportunity to register for the UTME at no cost.
“This incredible initiative is designed to empower aspiring students throughout our senatorial district, giving them the chance to register for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations at no cost,” the statement read.
It further disclosed that the free JAMB forms are now available across all six local government areas within the district, ensuring that eligible candidates can seize the opportunity to advance their education.
Interested students have been advised to visit the foundation’s office at Alhaji Kunle Abdul Avenue, Ugbe-Akoko, on or before Monday, February 24, 2025, to complete their registration process.
This initiative reinforces the foundation’s commitment to educational development, particularly for students who may face financial challenges in securing their JAMB registration.
Conclusion
As the JAMB 2025 registration moves forward, candidates are advised to complete their registration early to avoid last-minute complications. Adhering to JAMB’s official guidelines and using only accredited CBT centres will help ensure a seamless process. Stay connected for more updates, and best of luck to all UTME and Direct Entry applicants.