The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced plans to conduct a mop-up examination for candidates who missed the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), offering them a second chance to participate in the national test.
This was disclosed by the Registrar of JAMB, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, during a high-level stakeholders meeting held in Abuja to address reported challenges from the just-concluded exercise.
According to the Registrar, over five percent of registered candidates were unable to sit for the UTME due to a range of issues, including technical failures, late arrivals, and other unforeseen circumstances. The mop-up exam will serve as a remedy to ensure no candidate is left behind.
“We are taking immediate steps to organise a nationwide mop-up examination. This is a tradition we have upheld over the years to accommodate those who, for one reason or another, missed their exam date,” Prof. Oloyede said.
He emphasised that even candidates who were marked as absent during the initial examination window would be eligible for the mop-up, dismissing criticisms about the rescheduling process.
“Some people question why we are moving so quickly to address this. But they are unaware of the urgency. After UTME, we have WAEC, then NECO and NABTEB. These exams follow in quick succession, and many students sit for multiple exams. There is no time to waste,” the Registrar explained.
Professor Oloyede also reaffirmed JAMB’s commitment to integrity and fairness, adding that the examination body remains focused on providing equal opportunities for all candidates.
He condemned what he described as “uninformed commentary” regarding his emotional display during the exam crisis, clarifying that it reflected deep concern, not weakness.
“Leadership demands responsibility and empathy. We are here to solve problems, not to play politics,” he said firmly.
JAMB has not yet announced the exact date for the mop-up exam, but candidates who missed the 2025 UTME are advised to stay updated through official JAMB communication channels.
