Parents and candidates preparing for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have expressed their frustration over network failures, overcrowding, and alleged extortion at various CBT centres across the country.
Since the registration exercise began on Monday, February 3, many candidates have faced difficulties completing their registration, despite the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) assuring a seamless process.
JAMB Confirms Over 782,027 Candidates Registered Nationwide
In response to the complaints, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, confirmed that as of Friday, February 14, a total of 782,027 candidates have successfully registered across 856 accredited CBT centres nationwide.
“We have registered over 782,000 candidates. If they are not able to register, then who are we registering? Our registration is not even up to two weeks yet. Any candidate who desires to register for the exam will register. They just need to be patient,” he said.
Parents, Candidates Share Frustrations Over Registration Process
Despite JAMB’s assurances, parents and students have taken to social media platforms to voice their concerns over poor service delivery, extortion, and network failures at some registration centres.
One Facebook user, Simeon Ogoebulem, narrated his experience:
“Today marks the fifth day my daughter has been trying to register for JAMB 2025. We arrived at the CBT centre early in the morning, yet the crowd was overwhelming. The security men at the gate were more interested in collecting bribes from candidates rather than ensuring an orderly registration process.”
Another parent, Mrs. Phreety, described the situation in Calabar as even worse, alleging that students had to arrive as early as 3 a.m. and pay ₦5,000 before being attended to.
CBT Centres Allegedly Demanding Bribes for Faster Registration
Several candidates accused CBT centre officials of corruption, stating that some influential schools were paying bribes to fast-track the process while others were forced to wait for hours.
A candidate who visited a CBT centre in Lagos said:
“I got to the centre early in the morning with my pin ready, but the officials were prioritizing students from certain schools. Some people who arrived much later paid money and were immediately moved to the front of the queue.”
Another X (formerly Twitter) user, Toritsefe Jack, alleged that CBT centres in Ikorodu, Lagos, were delaying early arrivals while allowing those who paid bribes to jump the queue.
Kano, Abuja, and Abia Candidates Lament Poor Network and Limited Slots
In Kano, candidates reported experiencing significant delays due to network failures and daily registration limits at CBT centres.
Fatima Garba, one of the affected candidates, said:
“I have been coming here every day since Monday, yet I am still not registered. The network problem is really affecting us.”
In Abuja, the Vice Principal of Rex Christus College, Kubwa, Chibuogwu Nicodemus, shared his frustration:
“The major challenge is generating a profile code. Many of my students keep getting error messages saying there is no record found, while others receive messages telling them to check back later.”
In Abia, a candidate named Ikechukwu Duru lamented:
“We have been coming to the CBT centre for a week now, but each day we leave without being attended to.”
JAMB Warns Against Night Registration and Unapproved Practices
Amid these complaints, JAMB warned against nocturnal (nighttime) registration, expressing concerns over the safety of candidates. The board also reiterated that UTME registration is not a group or school-based process to prevent data mismatches and malpractice.
Additionally, JAMB has blacklisted some CBT centres for fraudulent practices, while others remain under investigation.
JAMB Urges Patience, Assures All Candidates Will Be Registered
Despite the ongoing frustrations, JAMB has reassured candidates that all eligible students will successfully complete their registration before the deadline.
Dr. Fabian Benjamin emphasized that JAMB is on track to meet its target and urged students to remain patient and avoid panic.
Final Thoughts
While JAMB has recorded significant progress in the registration process, the frustration of parents and candidates highlights the need for better efficiency, more CBT centres, and stricter monitoring to prevent bribery and network delays.
As the March 3 registration deadline approaches, candidates are advised to persist, follow official procedures, and report any fraudulent activities to JAMB authorities.
I couldn’t get my pin