- Over 380,000 students participated in the rescheduled 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
- The exam took place on a Friday across Lagos and the South East regions.
- Candidates reported a significantly improved experience compared to the previous examination round.
More than 380,000 students participated in the rescheduled 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) held on Friday across Lagos and the South East, with many candidates describing the experience as significantly better than the previous round.
In Lagos alone, approximately 206,610 candidates were tested at 65 Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centres. Meanwhile, the South East region recorded 173,387 participants across 93 centres.
Candidates across both regions reported early start times, with accreditation for the first session commencing between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. For instance, at a centre in Ayobo, Lagos, 218 candidates showed up for the morning session, though 32 were absent.
In Imo State, the examination was administered in four batches throughout the state’s three senatorial zones—Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri—starting at 6 a.m. and concluding around 4 p.m. At Mater Ecclesiae Seminary in Aboh Mbaise, proceedings began promptly.
Despite the overall improvement, some centres still experienced technical hitches, including frozen screens, system crashes, and faulty peripherals like keyboards and mice. At the Galaxy ICT and Educational Services Centre in Mbaitolu, one candidate reported losing valuable time due to such glitches, leaving only 20 minutes to complete the Mathematics section. However, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) officials acted swiftly to resolve issues and keep the exam on track.
In Anambra, many students appeared more optimistic and expressed confidence in their performance. They acknowledged the improvements and noted the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, had issued an apology for the earlier setbacks.
At testing locations like IDK and Grafile in Awka, the examination ran without major incident. Security officers were present to ensure order and safety.
Some observers, however, pointed to deeper structural problems. Mrs. Esther Ugochukwu, a parent, criticized the federal government for underfunding the education and technology sectors. She argued that the earlier UTME failures reflected broader national challenges and urged increased investment in infrastructure and technical staffing.
In Abia State, candidates echoed similar praise for the improved conditions. Chioma Marvelous Nnamdi, who took her exam in Umudike, said, “The questions were clearer and easier to answer. It was a much better experience than the last time.”
She also appreciated JAMB’s efforts to rectify previous issues. “Last time, many of the answers didn’t make sense or match the questions. I’m glad they listened and made changes.”
Another candidate, Chinonso Ezekiel, noted that any malfunctioning systems were quickly replaced and that the exam questions were more straightforward.
A staff member at Michael Okpara University’s E-Test Centre stated that while the earlier glitches were beyond their control, the team took extra precautions this time to ensure a seamless process.
Enugu State reported similar outcomes, with candidates and supervisors describing the environment as calm, orderly, and well-coordinated.
