The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced a special mop-up examination to accommodate candidates who missed the just-concluded 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The announcement was made on Wednesday by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abuja.
Over 5.6% of Candidates Missed the UTME
According to Prof. Oloyede, the mop-up exercise will benefit over 5.6% of registered candidates who were unable to participate in the 2025 UTME—regardless of the reasons for their absence.
“This time, we are creating a new mop-up. Even those who missed the earlier exam due to absence will get another opportunity,” Oloyede stated.
He emphasized that the initiative is in line with global best practices, adding, “In any serious system, when students miss an exam, they’re allowed to make up—provided there’s no abuse.”
UTME is a Placement Test, Not a Test of Intelligence
Prof. Oloyede reiterated that the UTME is a ranking exam for university admissions, not a direct measure of intelligence or academic potential.
“Its purpose is to rank candidates for limited admission slots, not to test how smart someone is,” he said.
Addressing Criticism and Ethnic Bias Claims
Amid increasing public scrutiny, Oloyede firmly dismissed conspiracy theories linking the UTME controversy to ethnic bias or administrative failure.
“I take responsibility, not because I failed, but because that’s leadership,” he said.
“We must rise above ethnic profiling. I didn’t even realise people viewed issues around me through such lenses.”
Praise for Candidates and Staff
Despite logistical setbacks, Oloyede praised both candidates and JAMB staff for their resilience.
“We had limited space. We knew if we wasted more time grieving the challenges, students would lose their opportunity.”
What’s Next?
JAMB has assured that the mop-up examination date will be announced soon. Candidates who missed the 2025 UTME should keep an eye on official communication channels, including www.jamb.gov.ng, for updates.
This mop-up initiative underscores JAMB’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and transparency in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process.
For timely updates on the mop-up exam schedule, results, and admission procedures, stay connected with My School Portal.
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