The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, has monitored the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration in Lagos, reaffirming that the board will not shut its doors against exceptionally brilliant underage candidates.
During his visit to four accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers, including Joint Komputer Kompany (JKK), Yaba LCDA CBT Centre, Yaba College of Technology, and Human Development Initiative (HDI), Onike, Oloyede assessed the registration process, engaged with administrators, and interacted with candidates to ensure the smooth conduct of the exercise.
JAMB Exceeds Daily Registration Target
Providing updates on the registration process, Oloyede disclosed that as of Friday, February 14, 2025, a total of 780,202 candidates had been registered nationwide, with 11,512 of them classified as underage candidates (below 16 years).
**”I think the registration this year has been smooth, and we appreciate all stakeholders involved. We currently have 856 accredited CBT centers nationwide, and this year, we categorized candidates into different groups for better organization.
“We initially projected registering 60,000 candidates daily, but we have surpassed that target. On some days, we have recorded over 80,000 registrations, which means we are ahead of schedule and will complete the process before the deadline.”**
Age Restriction and Special Consideration for Exceptionally Gifted Candidates
Oloyede reiterated that JAMB continues to enforce the 16-year minimum age policy for university admission, an initiative first implemented in 2024. However, the board has created an exception for exceptionally brilliant underage candidates (13-14 years old) to enable them to register if they meet the required academic standards.
“We initially planned to strictly enforce the 16-year age limit, but we recognized the need to accommodate the very few exceptionally gifted students. Instead of shutting them out completely, we created an avenue for them to register and prove their capabilities.”
JAMB Pays Over N400 Million to CBT Centers for Services Rendered
Oloyede also announced that JAMB has paid over N400 million to accredited CBT centers as compensation for services rendered during the UTME registration process.
“The board has ensured prompt payment to CBT centers for the candidates registered and other services rendered. This is to maintain efficiency and encourage them to continue providing quality service.”
No Extension for UTME 2025 Registration
With the registration process progressing ahead of schedule, Oloyede reaffirmed that there will be no extension of the registration deadline.
“There is no reason for an extension. The process has been smooth, candidates are registering in large numbers, and we are surpassing our initial target. Therefore, the registration will end as scheduled.”
JAMB Registration on Track for Completion
As the 2025 UTME registration continues, JAMB remains committed to transparency, efficiency, and fairness in its operations. With over 780,000 candidates already registered, the board is on track to complete the process well before the deadline, ensuring that all qualified students can secure their spots for the examination.