By Capital Watch Media
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has introduced a mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, exclusively for candidates below the age of 16.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, announced this during a meeting with media executives in Lagos on Sunday, explaining that the mock examination is meant for trial testing and not for university admission purposes.
“We are starting the sale of forms on 31st January till 5th March,” Oloyede said.
“There will be a mock exam on 23rd February and the UTME proper on 8th March.”
According to Oloyede, the mock trial is for individuals under 16 who want to gain computer-based test, CBT, experience but are not eligible for admission into universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education.
He reiterated the age requirement for admission, stating, “Candidates must be 16 years old on or before 30th September to qualify for UTME registration and admission into tertiary institutions.”
For candidates interested in taking the mock exam only, a fee of N5,700 has been set, while those combining UTME with mock will pay N8,200.
Registration for UTME without the mock option costs N7,200.
Prof. Oloyede noted that the board would enforce the age limit for this year’s registration, adding, “Gifted candidates below 15 years will only be allowed to register if they score at least 280 in UTME and perform exceptionally in other qualifying examinations.”
The registrar also disclosed that JAMB had screened and approved 870 CBT centres for the 2025 examinations, compared to 747 centres in 2024.
In addition, the sale of Direct Entry application documents and e-PIN vending will commence on 10th March and close on 7th April.
This process, he said, aligns with JAMB’s effort to streamline admissions and ensure compliance with policies.
