What is JAMB?

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is the official body in Nigeria responsible for coordinating the entrance examination for students seeking admission into tertiary-level institutions. These institutions include universities (which offer degrees), polytechnics (which offer diplomas and certificates in technical fields), and colleges of education (which train future teachers). JAMB’s primary role is to administer the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a standardized test that assesses candidates’ academic readiness for higher education.

Key Dates for the 2025 UTME

• UTME Application Period: The period during which candidates can register for the UTME. This year, it runs from Monday, February 3, 2025, to Saturday, March 8, 2025.
• Direct Entry (DE) Application Period: Direct Entry is an alternative admission route for candidates who already possess certain qualifications, such as A-Levels or a National Diploma. The DE application period is from Monday, March 10, 2025, to Monday, April 7, 2025.
• Mock Examination Date: A mock exam is a practice test that simulates the actual UTME, allowing candidates to familiarize themselves with the format and test environment. This is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025.
• UTME Examination Period: The main examination period when candidates take the actual UTME. This will take place from Friday, April 25, 2025, to Monday, May 5, 2025.

UTME Registration Statistics

• Registration Duration: The number of days allocated for UTME registration. In this cycle, it was 26 days.
• Registration Status: Indicates how many days are left in the registration period. At the time of the bulletin, there were 6 days remaining.
• Total Candidates Registered: The cumulative number of students who have successfully registered for the UTME. This figure was 1,687,860.
• Amount Paid to CBT Centres: The total sum of money paid to the Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers that provide the facilities for the examination. This amounted to ₦1,181,502,000.

Recognition of JAMB Registrar

• The Registrar of JAMB, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Daily Sun, a Nigerian newspaper, in recognition of his significant contributions to the education sector and society.
• The National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), a body representing polytechnic students in Nigeria, also presented Professor Oloyede with an “Icon of Educational Development in Nigeria” award, acknowledging his efforts to improve the quality of education.

JAMB’s Financial Report

• The bulletin includes a summary of JAMB’s financial activities, providing transparency on the organization’s income and expenditure.
• Financial Inflow: This section details the sources of JAMB’s revenue, such as fees from e-facilities/sales, service charges, third-party examinations, and deposits for UTME registration.
• Financial Outflow: This section outlines JAMB’s expenses, including staff salaries and claims, payments for services (e.g., security, cleaning), costs associated with examinations, and remittances to the government.

Education Sector News Highlights

• The “Education in the Media” section of the bulletin offers a roundup of noteworthy news and developments within the Nigerian education landscape.
• This includes reports on examination results from bodies like NABTEB, discussions on the adequacy of the number of Colleges of Education in Nigeria, initiatives to combat bullying in schools, and efforts by UBEC to ensure quality education for every Nigerian child.

JAMB Policies and Initiatives

• National Identification Number (NIN) Requirement: JAMB has made it mandatory for candidates applying for non-regular programs in tertiary institutions to provide their National Identification Number (NIN) during registration. This measure aims to reduce fraudulent practices and enhance the integrity of the registration process.
• CBT Examination Clarification: JAMB has reiterated that the UTME is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) that relies on a Local Area Network (LAN) rather than an internet connection. This clarification addresses misconceptions about internet dependency and potential disruptions due to poor connectivity.
• Examination Delivery Software (EDS) Test: In preparation for the UTME, JAMB conducted a trial test of its Examination Delivery Software (EDS) to ensure its reliability and effectiveness. This proactive step allows JAMB to identify and address any potential technical issues before the actual examination.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Review: JAMB is evaluating its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives to explore the possibility of extending support to a wider range of institutions, including those beyond the public sector. This reflects JAMB’s commitment to contributing to the development of the education sector in a more inclusive manner.

Collaboration and Engagements

• JAMB actively engages with other organizations and stakeholders in the education sector to foster collaboration and achieve common goals.
• For example, the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies (NIALS) visited JAMB to discuss potential partnerships and explore avenues for mutual benefit.
• Borno State University expressed its determination to perform strongly in the National Tertiary Admissions Performance – Merit Awards (NATAP-M) organized by JAMB, demonstrating the importance of these awards in incentivizing institutions to uphold best practices in admissions.

Payments to CBT Centres

• JAMB provides updates on the disbursement of funds to Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers for their services rendered during the UTME registration process. This ensures that the centers are adequately compensated for their role in facilitating the examination.

Addressing Concerns

• JAMB addresses concerns and issues raised by various stakeholders in the education sector.
• For instance, the bulletin includes a response to the University French Teachers Association of Nigeria (UFTAN) regarding their concerns about the recognition of certain French language qualifications and the cancellation of remedial programs.

Restoration of CBT Centres

• JAMB has announced the restoration of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers in Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) facilities. These centers were previously suspended due to reports of unethical practices. This decision aims to support the educational aspirations of young offenders.

Updated Nomenclature

• JAMB has released a new nomenclature (system of names) for its zonal offices and their directors, providing clarity on the organizational structure.