By John Umeh
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a mop-up examination for candidates who missed their earlier Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or the rescheduled resit due to verified reasons. This move is aimed at ensuring no eligible candidate is unfairly denied the opportunity to participate in the critical university admission process.
In an official statement, JAMB noted that the mop-up exam is targeted at a select group of candidates who were either unable to sit for the main UTME or the resit exams due to technical glitches, biometric issues, or other valid disruptions beyond their control. The Board emphasized that the decision was taken in line with its commitment to fairness, equity, and inclusivity.
Who Qualifies for the Mop-Up Exam?
According to JAMB, only candidates who have been officially cleared and shortlisted based on verified complaints will be allowed to participate in the mop-up exam. These include:
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Candidates with biometric verification failures.
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Candidates who encountered technical challenges at their designated exam centers.
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Those affected by verified rescheduling errors or disrupted exams.
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Others specifically identified by JAMB through internal review mechanisms.
Candidates who deliberately missed their exams without justifiable reasons will not be considered for the mop-up session.
Date and Venues for the Exam
JAMB disclosed that the mop-up examination will be conducted nationwide on a yet-to-be-announced date, which will be communicated directly to the shortlisted candidates via SMS, email, and the official JAMB portal. Candidates are urged to frequently check their profiles and messages to stay informed.
Guidelines for Candidates
All eligible candidates are required to:
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Reprint their examination slips for updated details.
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Arrive at their assigned centers at least one hour before the exam.
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Present valid identification and previously issued JAMB registration details.
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Comply strictly with examination guidelines and protocols.
The Board warned that any act of malpractice or impersonation during the mop-up exam would attract severe penalties, including disqualification and possible prosecution.
A Final Chance to Secure Admission
This special mop-up exam presents a vital opportunity for affected candidates to still be part of the ongoing 2025 admission cycle into tertiary institutions across Nigeria. JAMB reiterated its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the examination process while ensuring that genuine candidates are not left behind due to circumstances beyond their control.
As the examination draws closer, candidates are advised to prepare diligently and make the most of this second chance.
The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has firmly dismissed claims of regional bias or conspiracy in the conduct of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Addressing growing concerns and speculation from some quarters, Oloyede reiterated that JAMB remains committed to fairness, transparency, and national unity.
Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, the registrar clarified that all operations, including test center allocations, question distribution, and result processing, were executed with strict adherence to equity and professionalism.
“There is no conspiracy against any part of this country,” Oloyede stated. “We operate a national examination that is governed by technology and transparency. Every region and every candidate is treated equally.”
The registrar’s comments come amid social media claims and commentary alleging that candidates from certain regions were deliberately given harder questions or faced technical challenges designed to disadvantage them. Oloyede called such allegations baseless and dangerous, urging the public to resist spreading misinformation that could undermine national cohesion.
He explained that JAMB uses a centralized computer-based testing (CBT) system, where questions are randomly assigned and automatically shuffled for each candidate, making regional manipulation virtually impossible.
“Every candidate receives a different set of questions from the same pool. The process is automated, and there is no human interference in question assignment,” he explained.
Oloyede also acknowledged that while technical glitches occurred at a few centers, as is common with large-scale digital assessments, swift measures were taken to rectify those issues, including rescheduling exams for affected candidates. He assured that JAMB is committed to continuous improvement to ensure smooth experiences in future UTME exercises.
Furthermore, he warned against individuals or groups trying to politicize educational processes for their own gain, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of national examinations.
As of May 2025, over 1.9 million candidates sat for the UTME across Nigeria, with the results of a majority already released. The Board is currently addressing individual complaints through its resolution centers and online support channels.
The registrar encouraged candidates and parents to seek clarification directly from JAMB rather than relying on unverified sources.
