As of February 24, 2025, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is deep into its preparations for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Registration is ongoing, and key policies are shaping the process. Here’s what you need to know about JAMB updates that could be relevant or announced by tomorrow, February 25, 2025:
1. UTME Registration Progress: Nearing the Halfway Mark
Registration for the 2025 UTME kicked off on February 3, 2025, with a deadline set for March 5, 2025. By mid-February, JAMB reported over 782,000 candidates registered nationwide across 856 accredited CBT centres. Given the pace—averaging over 60,000 registrations daily—an update on February 25 might reveal that the number has crossed the 1 million mark. Expect JAMB to urge candidates to beat the rush as the March 5 deadline looms, with a reminder that no extensions are planned.
What to Watch For: A possible statement from JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede on registration stats, perhaps via the weekly JAMBulletin or a press briefing, emphasizing biometric verification and warning against last-minute congestion at CBT centres.
2. Biometric Verification Crackdown
JAMB has been vocal about enforcing strict biometric checks for the 2025 UTME, scheduled from April 25 to May 5, 2025. On February 18, the board warned that candidates failing biometric verification on exam day won’t sit for the test. By February 25, we might see an update reinforcing this policy, possibly with stats on how many candidates have completed verification successfully—or faced issues.
What to Watch For: Tips for candidates to ensure their National Identification Number (NIN) aligns with their JAMB profile, avoiding mismatches that could derail their exam day.
3. Mock Exam Details Taking Shape
The optional Mock-UTME is slated for April 5, 2025, and candidates had to indicate interest during registration. With the February 23 deadline for mock registration already passed (as per some sources), February 25 could bring a follow-up from JAMB on how many opted in, plus reminders about the ₦1,500 fee and slip reprinting details.
What to Watch For: Confirmation of mock exam logistics, like accredited centres and a nudge to reprint slips closer to April.
4. Underage Candidates Policy: A Hot Topic
JAMB recently clarified that candidates turning 16 by August 31, 2025, are eligible for admission, with a special nod to “gifted” under-16s scoring 320+ (80%) in UTME. This shift, announced earlier this month after Minister of Education Olatunji Alausa reversed an 18-year benchmark, might see further discussion on February 25. Parents and candidates are buzzing about this on X, with some praising the flexibility and others worried about enforcement.
What to Watch For: JAMB addressing underage registration numbers (already at 11,553 by mid-February) and how the “mock-trial test” for under-16s will work.
5. CBT Centre Accreditation Updates
JAMB’s ongoing accreditation of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres has been a focus, with some centres losing approval after using deceptive facilities. By February 25, expect a possible list of newly approved or revoked centres, especially after the board’s scrutiny intensified post-January adjustments.
What to Watch For: A refreshed list on JAMB’s official site or a warning against unaccredited centres fleecing candidates.
6. Law Programme Suspensions: Still Rippling
The Council for Legal Education’s suspension of law admissions at eight universities (e.g., KWASU, Redeemers, Nigerian Police Academy) for 2025/2026 is still fresh news. JAMB adjusted its registration templates accordingly in early February. On February 25, we might see a reminder or clarification for law aspirants to pivot to unaffected schools.
What to Watch For: Advice for candidates eyeing law—stick to JAMB’s approved list or risk wasted efforts.
7. Scam Alerts and Registration Tips
With registration in full swing, JAMB has been cracking down on fraud. Posts on X and past bulletins show candidates complaining about extortion and fake agents. February 25 could bring a renewed JAMB warning, urging students to use only official channels (like www.jamb.gov.ng) and avoid proxies meddling with their data.
What to Watch For: A practical guide—e.g., “Send NIN to 55019 for your profile code, pay ₦3,500 for the e-PIN, and hit a legit CBT centre.”
8. Lekki Headmaster: The New English Novel
The 2025 UTME’s compulsory novel, The Lekki Headmaster by Kabir Alabi Garba, replaced The Life Changer. By February 25, JAMB might nudge candidates to grab the ₦1,000 text and start prepping, with the Use of English section under scrutiny after a U.S.-based scholar’s call for reform this week.
What to Watch For: Study tips or a teaser of key themes from the novel to get ahead.
9. Ministerial Oversight
Education Minister Olatunji Alausa visited JAMB’s Lagos office on February 14, praising their tech-driven process. By February 25, we might hear of another high-profile visit or a policy tweak, reflecting President Tinubu’s education push.
What to Watch For: A soundbite from Alausa tying JAMB’s work to broader education goals.
10. Social Media Sentiment
X posts today (February 24) show candidates asking about profile code glitches (“No record found” errors) and CBT centre woes. Tomorrow’s updates might address these pain points, especially with registration frustrations bubbling up.
What to Watch For: JAMB responding to trending queries—check
How to Stay Updated on February 25
- Official Channels: Hit up www.jamb.gov.ng or @JAMBHQ on X for the latest. The JAMBulletin dropped today (February 24) at 11:26 WAT—tomorrow’s edition could be your goldmine.
- Local Twist: Naija blogs like Golden News or Myschool.ng might spin tomorrow’s updates with flair—think “JAMB Don Talk: No Extension, Register Sharp-Sharp!”
- Action Step: If you’re a candidate, double-check your NIN, grab your e-PIN, and lock in your CBT centre slot before the March 5 cutoff.
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