The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a special mop-up exam for candidates who missed the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Whether due to illness, technical issues, or personal reasons, all affected candidates will get a second chance to write the exam.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Who qualifies for the JAMB mop-up exam
- Why the UTME is a ranking test, not an intelligence assessment
- JAMB’s commitment to fairness and transparency
- Challenges faced during the 2025 UTME
- Next steps for affected candidates
Missed the 2025 UTME? You Qualify for a Second Chance
JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, confirmed the mop-up exam during a meeting in Abuja. Unlike previous years, this opportunity is open to all candidates who missed the initial exam—regardless of the reason.
Oloyede stated:
“This time, we’re opening the door wide. If you missed the test for any reason, you can write it again. It’s not strange—proper systems allow for re-exams as long as the process isn’t abused.”
This move ensures that no candidate is unfairly excluded from university admission due to unforeseen circumstances.
UTME: A Ranking Exam, Not an Intelligence Test
The JAMB registrar clarified that the UTME is not an IQ test but a placement exam designed to rank students for limited university slots.
Oloyede explained:
“The UTME is a placement exam. We use it to allocate seats, not to label anyone as brilliant or dull.”
This distinction is crucial for students who may feel discouraged by their scores. The goal is fair admission, not academic judgment.
No Bias, No Hidden Agenda—JAMB Ensures Fairness
Following rumors of tribal bias and poor planning, Oloyede addressed concerns directly:
“I take responsibility—not because I failed, but because leadership demands accountability. It’s unfortunate that people read ethnic meanings into everything. Such thinking hinders progress.”
JAMB remains committed to transparency, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Students and Staff Overcame Tough Conditions
The 2025 UTME faced logistical challenges, including venue constraints and technical issues. Despite these hurdles, Oloyede commended students and staff for their resilience:
“We had limited space, but we pushed forward. Complaining wouldn’t help—our focus was on minimizing disruptions for candidates.”
What’s Next? Key Dates and Updates
JAMB will soon announce the official dates for the mop-up exam. Affected candidates should:
- Monitor JAMB’s official website and social media
- Ensure their registration details are up to date
- Prepare adequately for the resit opportunity
For more JAMB news and updates, bookmark this page and follow official JAMB channels.
