The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reiterated its stance that the registration period for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will conclude on March 8, 2025, with no extension.
The examination body made this clear in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin.
According to JAMB, the registration exercise, which commenced on February 3, 2025, has so far recorded over 1.5 million successful applications, aligning with the board’s expectations for this year’s examination cycle.
The board emphasized that the deadline had been widely publicized in its official advertisements and calendar, leaving no room for an extension.
Strict Adherence to Timelines
JAMB’s decision to maintain the registration deadline stems from the need to adhere to a structured academic calendar. The board stressed that its schedule involves multiple critical processes, including examinations, results management, and admissions exercises, which require proper coordination with other educational bodies.
The statement read, “We wish to inform all prospective candidates that there will be no extension of the registration period. This deadline has been communicated in all advertisements and the official calendar for the 2025 UTME exercise.”
JAMB further explained that extending the registration period would have a ripple effect, disrupting its subsequent programs and affecting the operational timelines of partner agencies.
“In light of this, we strongly encourage candidates to complete their registration as soon as possible, adhering to the established timeline for the 2025 UTME,” the board advised.
Registration Numbers in Line with Expectations
As of the latest count, JAMB confirmed that over 1.5 million candidates have successfully registered for the UTME. This figure, according to the board, is in line with projections and shows that the registration process is progressing as expected.
The board, however, expressed concern over a recent decline in the number of daily registrations and cautioned candidates against last-minute rushes, which often lead to avoidable challenges such as system congestion and biometric verification issues.
“This notice is particularly important given the recent decline in the number of candidates registering for the examination. We urge all individuals who wish to participate to register promptly and avoid waiting until the last minute,” JAMB stated.
Implications of Missing the Deadline
With JAMB’s firm stance on the registration deadline, candidates who fail to register by March 8 will not be allowed to sit for the 2025 UTME.
This means that affected students will have to wait until the next registration cycle, delaying their admission prospects for another academic year.
Experts in the education sector have advised prospective candidates to take advantage of the remaining time to complete their registration.
They warn that past experiences have shown that students who procrastinate often face difficulties such as network failures, incomplete payments, and biometric verification errors, which may ultimately prevent them from registering.
Additionally, cybercafé operators and registration centers have been urged to assist candidates in ensuring their details are correctly uploaded to avoid future complications.
A 94-Year-Old Man Among Registrants
In an interesting development, a 94-year-old man has reportedly registered for the 2025 UTME, fulfilling a lifelong dream of sitting for the examination.
The board acknowledged this development as a testament to the importance of education at any age, encouraging young candidates to take their academic journey seriously.
While this case stands out, it also highlights the increasing participation of non-traditional candidates in the UTME, reinforcing JAMB’s commitment to inclusivity in education.
Final Call for Registration
With less than two weeks remaining before the deadline, JAMB is making a final call for prospective candidates to complete their registration before the March 8 deadline.
The board has advised students and parents to ensure they adhere to all requirements, including the use of the National Identification Number (NIN) for registration, as failure to meet any of the stipulated criteria will result in disqualification.
As the registration process draws to a close, JAMB assures the public of its readiness to conduct a seamless examination and maintain the integrity of the process.
The board has also warned against fraudulent registration agents who exploit unsuspecting candidates by charging exorbitant fees or providing incorrect information.
With the deadline fast approaching, the message from JAMB is clear: register now or miss out on the opportunity to sit for the 2025 UTME.
Prospective candidates are advised to act promptly to avoid last-minute complications and ensure a smooth admission process into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
