By Uche Amunike
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers to stop conducting nighttime registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Speaking, through a statement released by its Public Communication Advisor on Sunday, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, he stated that every JAMB registration activity must be carried out only during appropriate hours to make sure that the safety and security of prospective candidates are assured.
He acknowledged that some centers tried to accommodate more candidates and stressed that such practices should not compromise their well-being.
The statement partly read: ‘JAMB publicly named and cautioned the following centres for violating its registration guidelines: Thomas Adewumi University in Oko, Kwara State; CBT Centre Otukpo in Otukpo, Benue State; Ebenezer International School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State; Jigawa State College of Education, Gumel Centre 1 in Gumel, Jigawa State; Lafiagi Emirate Information Technology & Innovation Hub in Lafiagi, Kwara State; Zulqud Consult Ltd (ZCL CBT Center) in Lugbe, Abuja; Klinnicapps Academy in Okuku, Yala, Cross River State; Sani Mikaila Comprehensive College in Jos, Plateau State; Beeps Technology Limited in Ogoja, Cross River State; and FZX Media Consulting Limited inside Havilla University in Ikom, Cross River State.’
The board further stated that this notice served as a final warning, as no more notifications would be issued before disciplinary actions are taken. It noted that JAMB will not tolerate its registration regulations being violated and would take appropriate measures against any centre engaged in such activities.
JAMB reaffirmed its commitment to a fair and secure examination process, even as they urged every accredited center to obey the provided guidelines strictly and make candidate safety a priority over financial gains.
It also cautioned parents to stop making unfounded allegations against universities over perceived unfair denial of admission to their children. After this statement was released, a series of complaints trailed it.
One Mr. Godwin Nsan accused the University of Calabar of unjustly denying his son admission. According to JAMB, however, Nsan’s son scored 201 in the UTME with an aggregate score 34%, which fell short of the university’s cut-off marks – 55% (merit) 35% (Catchment) and 35% (ELDS). Benjamin explained that the man unfairly criticized the university, but when he eventually provided the required details, it was clear that his child did not meet up with the admission criteria.
JAMB also waved off allegations of admission irregularities at Modibbo Adama University, Yola, after investigations found no irregularities in the case. In a different case, a parent claimed that his son who scored 345 in UTME was unjustly denied admission by the University of Jos. They were invited by JAMB for clarification and findings showed that the candidate ranked 86th, whereas only 68 candidates could be admitted on merit.
His words: ‘A score of 345 may seem impressive, but in some universities, it might rank a candidate as low as 300, depending on the institution’s subscription capacity. The father later apologised after understanding the ranking process.’
JAMB further warned against misusing its ‘exceptionally brilliant window’ meant for candidates below the age of 16, as an unrealistic number of candidates were being registered under this category, unlike global standards where only a select few qualify.
The board reaffirmed its commitment to fair and transparent admissions, revealing that a senior university official is presently facing prosecution for admission fraud with four others still under investigation.
They urged parents to avoid jumping to conclusions and consider the performance of other candidates, while describing the UTME as an exam that determines a candidate’s position within a cohort for the limited admission slots available in the tertiary institutions in the country.
