JAMB Reschedules UTME for 380,000 Affected Candidates
JAMB rescheduled UTME for a record number of students following massive technical disruptions during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board announced on Tuesday that it would reschedule exams for 379,997 candidates across Lagos and five southeastern states.
The decision comes after thousands of candidates reported technical difficulties, ranging from biometric verification failures to computer system crashes at CBT (Computer-Based Test) centers. These UTME 2025 technical errors sparked widespread concern, especially among students and parents who feared the exams might be canceled.
UTME 2025 Technical Errors Trigger National Response
The 2025 UTME commenced on Monday, May 6. However, by midday, numerous CBT centers began experiencing system instability. In some centers in Lagos, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Anambra, candidates were unable to log in, or their computers froze mid-exam.
In response, JAMB Reschedules UTME in the affected areas. Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, explained during a press briefing that the board had anticipated minor technical hitches but did not expect the scale witnessed this year.
“We sincerely apologize to all affected candidates and parents,” Prof. Oloyede said. “We have analyzed the technical lapses and identified the problematic centers. Affected students will be rescheduled to centers with proven integrity and functional infrastructure.”
The UTME 2025 technical errors led JAMB to blacklist about 25 CBT centers pending further investigation.
JAMB Affected Candidates to Receive New Dates
The examination board assured that all JAMB affected candidates will receive new dates and centers for their rescheduled UTME. Notifications will be sent via SMS, email, and the candidates’ JAMB profiles.
“Candidates are advised not to panic. Those affected will not be required to make fresh registrations or payments,” said Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s spokesperson. “The new schedule guarantees fairness and gives all candidates a level playing ground.”
For many candidates, this move is a relief. Some had traveled long distances, spent nights at hotels, or endured poor testing conditions, only to be told that their exams would be canceled.
By announcing that JAMB Reschedules UTME, the board aims to rebuild trust in the examination process.
Impact on Students and Schools
The rescheduling has disrupted plans for many secondary school leavers who hoped to gain admission into tertiary institutions without delays. Schools and tutorial centers across Lagos and southeastern Nigeria have adjusted their revision schedules to accommodate the new exam dates.
For students like Chinyere Nwosu from Imo State, who waited several hours at a CBT center before being told the system was down, the news came as both a disappointment and a relief.
“I’m glad that JAMB Reschedules UTME, but it’s painful that we prepared so hard only to face technical problems. I hope the new center will be better,” she said.
Some schools have urged JAMB to consider psychological support for candidates affected by the stress.
Government and Stakeholder Reactions
Education stakeholders have called for an overhaul of CBT infrastructure nationwide. They argue that the integrity of the UTME depends on reliable technology.
Senator Ahmed Aliyu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, commended JAMB for acting swiftly.
“This situation is unfortunate, but we must appreciate JAMB for acknowledging the errors and ensuring JAMB affected candidates get another opportunity.”
He also called on the Federal Ministry of Education to audit all CBT centers and ensure their compliance with technical standards.
Lessons Learned and the Way Forward
This year’s UTME has sparked a new national conversation on the challenges of digitizing high-stakes exams in Nigeria. While CBTs offer many advantages over traditional paper exams, their success depends heavily on robust infrastructure.
Prof. Oloyede noted that JAMB is exploring partnerships with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to improve system reliability.
“Going forward, we will conduct stress tests on all systems before exams and increase technical monitoring,” he said.
Despite the setbacks, JAMB Reschedules UTME shows a commitment to student success and examination fairness. Experts believe that transparency and accountability will be key to maintaining public trust.
JAMB Reschedules UTME – What Students Should Know
All affected candidates are advised to:
- Check their JAMB profiles daily for updates.
- Avoid visiting unverified CBT centers for unofficial information.
- Prepare as if writing the exam afresh.
- Report any suspicious messages to JAMB directly.
Benjamin further assured candidates that their original subject combinations and examination preferences will remain unchanged in the new schedule.
“Candidates must know that JAMB Reschedules UTME does not affect their chances of university admission, as all institutions have been briefed on the changes,” he added.
CBT Centers Under Review
As a result of the UTME 2025 technical errors, JAMB has placed about 25 CBT centers under review. Many of these centers failed to meet the board’s expected standards for server strength, internet bandwidth, and backup power systems.
“These lapses could have been prevented,” said IT analyst Uche Adebayo. “It’s time JAMB shifts from quantity to quality when accrediting CBT centers. The board should consider public institutions with better facilities.”
Conclusion: Transparency and Justice for All
JAMB Reschedules UTME in a move widely seen as just and necessary. While the process has created temporary setbacks, it offers affected students a second chance under fairer conditions.
For many parents, this gesture restores confidence in the examination board. But it also underlines the need for better preparedness, stronger systems, and consistent technical audits.
With almost 380,000 JAMB affected candidates, the rescheduled exams must now meet the highest standards to prevent further disruptions. All eyes remain on JAMB as it prepares for the revised UTME dates in the coming weeks.
