The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has confirmed that it will conduct a mop-up examination for candidates who missed the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The announcement was made by JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja.
Over 5.6% of registered candidates were unable to participate in the main UTME. According to Professor Oloyede, this new mop-up initiative will provide those individuals with a second chance, regardless of the reason for their absence. He emphasised that offering such opportunities is standard practice in any credible examination system, provided the process is not abused.
He clarified that the UTME is designed as a placement examination to help rank candidates for limited tertiary institution admission slots, not to measure intelligence or academic ability. This perspective, he noted, helps reinforce fairness in the university admission process.
Professor Oloyede also addressed public criticisms and social media narratives suggesting bias or administrative lapses. He firmly rejected these claims, stating that leadership involves taking responsibility, even amid false assumptions or ethnic profiling. He urged the public to focus on solutions rather than conspiracies.
Despite logistical challenges during the 2025 UTME, including limited testing facilities, JAMB officials and candidates were commended for their patience and resilience. According to the Registrar, delays in reacting to the situation could have denied many students the opportunity to write the exam.
Although the specific date for the mop-up exam has not yet been announced, JAMB has assured candidates that the information will be released soon. The board reiterated its dedication to transparency, fairness, and equal opportunity in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
