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JAMB Introduces Mock UTME For Underage Candidates, Announces 2025 Examination Dates

Published

2 months ago

Jan 27, 2025.

JAMB introduces mock UTME for candidates under 16 years old.
2025 UTME registration starts January 31, exams begin March 8.
Age limit of 16 years strictly enforced for admissions.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has introduced a mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) specifically for candidates below the age of 16. This initiative is aimed at providing underage candidates with an opportunity to test their abilities, rather than serving as a prerequisite for tertiary admission.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, disclosed this during a meeting with media executives in Lagos on Sunday.

He also announced that the 2025 UTME will hold on March 8, 2025, while the sale of forms will commence on January 31, 2025, and end on March 5, 2025.

“A mock exam will be conducted on February 23, while the UTME proper begins on March 8,” Oloyede said.

He explained that the trial mock exam is designed for underage candidates who do not meet the age requirement of 16 years for admission into tertiary institutions. This will allow them to experience the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format and assess their readiness.

Oloyede reiterated that candidates must be 16 years old on or before September 30 to qualify for admission into universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education. However, exceptions may be made for gifted candidates below 15 years who achieve outstanding results, such as a minimum score of 280 in UTME, coupled with excellent performance in senior secondary certificate and post-UTME examinations.

He further stated that candidates who wish to take the mock exam for trial purposes only can register separately. The fees include:

N8,200 for UTME with mock,
N7,200 for UTME only,
N5,700 for trial mock only, and
N5,700 for Direct Entry candidates.

Additionally, the sale of Direct Entry application documents and e-PIN vending will commence on March 10 and end on April 7, 2025.

Oloyede emphasized that the 16-year age limit for UTME registration will be strictly enforced, following a court ruling that upheld the policy. This policy was adopted during the 2024 admission cycle.

The age restriction policy has faced criticism over the years. In 2024, former Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, announced an 18-year minimum age requirement for admission, which was met with widespread opposition. His successor, Dr. Tunji Alausa, later suspended the 18-year benchmark in November 2024.

JAMB Mock UTME

Meanwhile, Oloyede revealed that JAMB has provisionally approved 870 CBT centres for the 2025 UTME, an increase from 747 centres approved last year.