JAMB: All you should know before you register for the 2025 UTME exam

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has postponed registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to Monday, February 3, 2025. Registration was initially set to begin on Friday, January 31, 2025, but was rescheduled to allow the Board to make essential adjustments to its registration templates.

This announcement was made on JAMB’s X page, explaining that the changes were necessary due to the recent suspension of certain law programmes in selected universities, as recommended by the Council for Legal Education.

Additionally, the Board discovered that some Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres had used deceptive facilities to gain approval, leading to further scrutiny and the disapproval of such centres.

“These adjustments come in light of the recent suspension of certain law programmes at selected universities, as submitted to the Board by the Council for Legal Education. Additionally, some CBT centres used deceptive facilities to gain approval, prompting the need for further scrutiny and corrections by disapproving such centres.”

According to JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, “The additional time will be used to ensure that all necessary changes are made for a smooth registration process. We acknowledge the disruption this may cause to candidates and other stakeholders and sincerely apologise for any inconvenience.”

How to check your 2024 JAMB/UTME results online or using SMS

Last UTME performance and what to expect in 2025

The 2024 UTME saw a mix of performances from candidates, with some excelling while others faced challenges. According to the Board, 64,624 results were under investigation for various reasons, such as verification (2,896), procedural investigations (4,594), and prima facie established exam misconduct (78).

The Board’s registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, noted that out of the 1,989,668 candidates who registered for the examination, 1,904,109 sat for the examination, while 80,810 were absent.

He said other results under investigation were centre-based investigations involving 57,056 candidates in 18 centres across the country. The 18 centres under investigation were 12 in Edo, three in Akwa Ibom, two in Delta, and one in Kwara State.

The Board has continued to improve its processes to ensure a fair and transparent examination. Hence, for the 2025 UTME, candidates should expect:

• Strict compliance with registration guidelines to avoid issues.
• CBT centre verification to ensure only approved centres are used.
• The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba is the recommended reading text for the Use of English paper.
• No admission into law programmes in eight universities, as JAMB will no longer conduct admissions for these institutions due to the Council for Legal Education’s decision.

The affected universities include:

• Kwara State University, Malete, Ilorin, Kwara State
• Bingham University, Karu, Nasarawa State
• Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State
• Western Delta University, Oghara, Delta State
• Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State
• Arthur Jarvis University, Akpabuyo, Cross River State
• Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State
• Nigerian Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State

Step-by-step guide to register for the exam

1. Get Your NIN (National Identification Number): JAMB requires all candidates to have a valid NIN before they can register.
2. Obtain a Unique Phone Number: Ensure you use a phone number that has not been previously used to register on JAMB’s platform.
3. Generate Your Profile Code: Send your NIN via SMS to 55019 or 66019 to receive a 10-digit profile code.
4. Purchase an e-PIN: After generating your profile code, proceed to authorised banks, online payment platforms, or JAMB-accredited centres to purchase your UTME e-PIN.
5. Visit an Accredited CBT Centre: With your e-PIN and profile code, visit a JAMB-accredited CBT centre to complete your registration.
6. Provide Required Details: Submit your biodata, O’Level results, and preferred choice of institutions/courses.
7. Capture Your Biometrics and Photograph: JAMB will take your fingerprint and passport photograph as part of the registration process.
8. Collect Your Registration Slip: Once registered, ensure you receive a confirmation slip containing your details.

Registration Requirements

• A valid National Identification Number (NIN)
• A unique phone number
• An active email address
• O’Level results (WAEC, NECO, or equivalent)
• JAMB e-PIN
• Fingerprint and photograph capture at an accredited CBT centre

JAMB has advised candidates to begin preparations early by securing their NIN and a unique phone number. “You can get your NIN ahead and a phone number that has not been previously used to register on our platform to generate your profile code before the time,” JAMB tweeted via its X handle.