The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to conduct a special mop-up examination for candidates who missed the recently concluded 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, said the exercise would cater to about 5.6% of candidates who were unable to write the exam for various reasons.
“This time, we are creating a new mop-up,” Oloyede stated. “Even those who missed the earlier exam due to absence will be given this opportunity.”
He clarified that the decision was not unusual, adding, “It’s not extraordinary; it’s standard practice in education to make up for missed exams, provided it’s not abused.”
The Registrar also addressed the emotional strain he displayed during the announcement of the UTME results, clarifying that it was not a sign of weakness but a reflection of the weight of responsibility.
“It’s unfortunate that some have tried to politicise the moment,” he said, dismissing conspiracy theories and ethnic profiling associated with the incident.
Oloyede took the opportunity to correct public misconceptions about the UTME’s purpose, emphasising that the exam is a placement test, not an achievement test.
“Scoring high in UTME alone does not guarantee admission,” he said. “Other criteria like post-UTME and institutional assessments also play crucial roles.”
He extended appreciation to key stakeholders such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), and the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) for their support during the examination period.
The Registrar also commended the candidates for their resilience amid the challenges of the 2025 UTME cycle.