The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has pledged that no candidate sitting for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will be assigned to an exam centre outside their registered state. This reassurance comes as the board works to address previous concerns raised during the UTME mock exercise.

Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, gave the assurance during a phone conversation with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja. He explained that while some candidates were assigned to centres outside their state for the mock UTME due to limited capacity at approved test locations, this would not happen during the main exam.

Mock exam logistics were temporary, says JAMB

According to Dr. Benjamin, the situation during the mock test was a rare exception caused by a temporary shortage of available Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in certain areas. In such cases, candidates were redirected to the nearest neighbouring states with available spaces.

“For instance, if Abuja’s centres were full, some candidates were sent to nearby states like Nasarawa. But that applied only to the mock exam,” he clarified. “For the actual UTME, all approved CBT centres nationwide will be fully operational to prevent cross-border postings.”

Main UTME to have wider coverage and better planning

Dr. Benjamin emphasized that JAMB has taken extensive steps to expand its operational capacity ahead of the main UTME. With more CBT centres coming online across all states, the board expects a smoother and more localized examination experience for the over two million registered candidates.

“No candidate will be posted outside their state of registration for the main examination. We have made the necessary arrangements to ensure that does not happen,” he stated confidently.

Early registration plays a big role

He also advised candidates to register as early as possible in future UTME cycles to secure centres closest to their residence. He explained that once the nearest centres are filled up, JAMB assigns candidates to any available location within the same state.

“Timely registration improves your chances of getting a centre near your home. Once nearby centres reach full capacity, we assign the next available one—but it will still be within the same state,” he said.

Over 2 million candidates ready for 2025 UTME

According to reports, JAMB successfully concluded registration for the 2025 UTME with a total of 2,030,627 candidates now set to take part in the nationwide examination scheduled to begin on April 25, 2025.

Following the close of registration, JAMB has shifted its attention to ensuring a secure and credible testing environment. The board is introducing a series of anti-malpractice measures aimed at preserving the integrity of the examination.

New security features and crackdown on exam fraud

In preparation for the main exam, JAMB has deployed advanced monitoring tools and reinforced its verification systems to detect any irregularities. These measures have already yielded results, as the board confirmed the arrest of several candidates attempting to gain admission using forged A-level certificates.

The board reiterated its warning to all candidates: avoid any form of examination malpractice. “We are watching closely. Our systems are equipped to detect and trace any fraudulent activities,” JAMB warned.

Candidates have also been reminded to adhere strictly to all examination rules and maintain academic honesty throughout the process.

Mock UTME recap: Results released, more still in processing

JAMB has released 115,735 results from the 2025 Mock UTME conducted on April 10, 2025, while another 10,446 results remain under review. A total of 200,113 candidates registered for the mock session, but only 126,181 eventually sat for it.

The mock UTME serves as a critical test run ahead of the main examination. It gives candidates an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format and allows JAMB to assess the performance of its systems and introduce new innovations.

“The mock exam has proven to be a useful tool in resolving issues and offering candidates first-hand experience,” JAMB noted. “We encourage all UTME candidates to continue preparing, stay calm, and expect a smoother process during the main exam.”

Final advice to candidates

As the exam date draws near, candidates are urged to:

• Stay informed through official JAMB channels.

• Prepare adequately and avoid last-minute pressure.

• Abide by all examination rules and avoid shortcuts.

• Arrive early at their centres with the required documentation.

With JAMB’s renewed commitment to improving exam logistics, expanding CBT infrastructure, and clamping down on fraud, the 2025 UTME promises to be more efficient, transparent, and secure than ever.