The 2025 edition of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), overseen by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has officially begun across Nigeria.
The examination serves as a gateway for successful candidates to gain admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, subject to meeting other admission requirements.
According to JAMB, over 2,030,627 candidates have registered to take the test at various accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.
At one such centre, Dantata Universal Services, located within Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, near the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, candidates were seen arriving as early as 6:45am for the first round of screening. The initial session began promptly at 8:20am.
Mrs Modupe Adesoga, the Biometric Verification Officer at the centre, explained that the facility, which accommodates 200 candidates and runs two sessions daily, successfully conducted the first session on schedule.
“We started by 8:20 am and finished by 10:20 am with no issues with the computers and internet connectivity. All the Air Conditioning and lightening systems were equally okay.
“Out of the 184 candidates that turned up, it was only one candidate that we could not verify. After due process the candidate will be rescheduled,” she said.
The Resident Monitor, Mr Musa Adejo, confirmed that the exercise ran smoothly and highlighted that both security and logistical arrangements were well in place. He also noted that parents, despite some initial tension, complied with regulations by staying away from the examination premises.
He added that two candidates were unable to participate due to arriving late.
“Yes two candidates came in late and we couldn’t allow them to write the exam because that is what the law says. They will equally not be rescheduled because of issues of the Biometric and National Identity or the NIN system. it’s was their fault,” Mr Adejo, said.
Candidate Nafisa Abdulwaheed reported a seamless experience at her centre, expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the invigilators.
“I didn’t experience any challenges at all and I did not see any candidate in the hall complaining and not being attended to. So it was good and by God’s grace I’m hoping for the best, as there was enough time for me to finish,” she said.
A parent, Mr Kola Akin, observed waiting at the school’s entrance, explained he had accompanied his daughter for safety reasons but made sure to keep a respectful distance, in line with the rules.
“Honestly, i have to come with her and wait until when she is done, then we will go back home. I’m concerned about the security challenges in the country,” he said
Security was visibly robust at the venue, with officers from the Nigeria Police, secret service, and the Civil Defence Corps stationed from the gate through to the examination area.
Security personnel were also seen monitoring candidates’ mobile phones and personal items, which were kept well away from the exam rooms.
“We put a mark to identify each of the phones and bags to the candidates. As soon as they are done, we will give them back. They were not seized, because they willingly turned them in, as soon as the instructions were passed across during the screening,” said S. Ikeh, a member of the Civil Defence Corps at the centre.
The UTME, which commenced on 24 April, is scheduled to conclude on 4 May 2025.