In a surprising twist that has caught many candidates and parents off guard, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced a rescheduling of the much-anticipated 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Originally slated to begin on April 25th, the exams will now commence a day earlier—on Thursday, April 24, 2025. But the big question on everyone’s mind is why? And what does this mean for over a million candidates preparing to sit for this crucial examination?
Let’s break it all down.
Why the Sudden Change in UTME Dates?
According to JAMB, the decision to adjust the UTME start date was not made lightly. The shift was necessitated by “some unforeseen scheduling conflicts involving key national obligations” that both the board and its partner agencies are involved in. While the exact nature of these obligations was not disclosed, it’s clear that the board had to act quickly to avoid clashes that could disrupt the smooth conduct of the exams across the country.
What Candidates Need to Do Now
If you’re sitting for the 2025 UTME, here’s what you need to do immediately:
1. Print Your Examination Slip (Starting April 19, 2025):
JAMB has opened the portal for candidates to begin printing their UTME Notification Slips from Saturday, April 19. This slip contains critical details such as your exam date, time, and centre location.
✅ Visit the official JAMB portal: www.jamb.gov.ng
✅ Click on “2025 UTME Slip Printing”
✅ Enter your registration number
✅ Print your slip and keep it safe!
Important Note: Don’t wait till the last minute. Early printing ensures you have enough time to confirm your center and make necessary arrangements.
You Won’t Be Sent Outside Your Chosen Town
In a bid to reduce travel stress and late arrivals, JAMB has assured all candidates that no one will be posted outside the town they selected during registration. This is a huge relief for candidates and parents alike, especially for those in rural or remote areas who feared long-distance travel.
Still, JAMB recommends that candidates locate and familiarize themselves with their examination centres at least one or two days before their exam date.
Biometric Verification is a Must – No Exceptions
JAMB has also issued a strict warning: any candidate who cannot be verified through biometric fingerprint scanning will not be allowed to take the UTME, nor any mock examination.
This measure is designed to uphold the integrity of the examination process and eliminate impersonation. As a result:
No candidate will be allowed to take the exam without successful biometric verification.
No parent, guardian, or proxy is allowed to carry out any transaction on behalf of a candidate.
JAMB has made it clear that all candidates must handle their registration and profile details personally. This move is to prevent cases of data errors and mismatches that have affected candidates in the past.
Crackdown on Uncooperative Registration Centres
In another major move, the board has warned that it will not tolerate any registration centre or operator who refuses to cooperate with JAMB’s guidelines. Such centers are being closely monitored, and offenders will be tracked down and penalized. The aim is to ensure that candidates are not cheated or misled during the registration and preparation process.
Final Words: Don’t Be Caught Off Guard
With this new development, it’s clear that staying informed and acting early is the best strategy for all 2025 UTME candidates. The date has changed. The expectations are higher. But with proper preparation and attention to detail, success is absolutely within reach.
Whether you’re a first-time candidate, a returning student, or a concerned parent, this is the time to double-check everything—from your exam slip to your ID and your exam centre location.
Time is ticking.
Mark your calendar: April 24, 2025.
Print your slip starting April 19.
Visit your centre before exam day.
Prepare for biometric verification.
Stay connected to our site for more updates, tips, and UTME success guides. We’re rooting for your success!
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