The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has introduced a “Trial Testing Mock Only” examination for candidates below the required age of 16, to prepare them for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, when they eventually qualify.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, explained that this initiative is part of efforts to assist younger candidates in familiarising themselves with the UTME, as 16 remains the government-approved age for University admissions in Nigeria.
“The UTME is a ranking examination, not a pass-or-fail test like the West African School Certificate, WAEC or the National Examination Council, NECO,” Professor Oloyede noted.
He also highlighted measures to curb age falsification, stating that candidates would no longer be allowed to alter their age on JAMB forms.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Professor Oloyede also announced that the sale of forms for the 2024/2025 academic year will run from January 31 to March 5, with a form price of ₦3,500.
Candidates will also pay approved administrative charges at CBT centres, while post-UTME fees remain capped at ₦2,000.
The Mock Examination is scheduled for February, while the main UTME will hold on March 28.
Professor Oloyede decried illegal fees charged by some private schools and CBT centres, urging candidates to report such exploitation.
New Reading Material
This year, JAMB has selected “The Lekki Headmaster”, written by journalist and Guardian editor Kabir Alabi, PhD, as the recommended novel for UTME candidates.
The board printed 1.8 million copies, sold at ₦1,000 each, and plans to make an audio version available for visually impaired candidates at no cost.
Mega CBT Centres
To improve examination infrastructure, JAMB equally built 1,000-capacity CBT centres in Kaduna and Imo States, with plans to establish a South-West centre in either Abeokuta or Lagos.
Recognising Excellence
The University of Ilorin was named the most preferred institution for admissions in Nigeria, praised for attracting the highest number of international students and achieving international recognition.
These developments reflect JAMB’s continued efforts to streamline the admissions process, promote equity, and enhance the quality of education in Nigeria.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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