Shift in Registration Date for JAMB 2025 UTME
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a significant update regarding the registration process for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Originally scheduled to commence on January 31, 2025, the registration will now begin on February 3, 2025. This shift, though appearing minor, carries weighty implications for potential candidates and stakeholders who had been preparing for the earlier date.
The delay in registration start was sanctioned by JAMB following careful consideration of several underlying factors. Dr. Fabian Benjamin, serving as the public communication advisor for JAMB, stated that the primary motivation for this postponement was to allow the board to make essential adjustments in its registration templates. These modifications have become imperative in light of recent developments concerning the status of certain law programs across specific universities. The changes are intended to ensure that the registration process is smoother and devoid of potential legal entanglements.
Suspension of Selected Law Programs
One of the driving forces for this update is the suspension of law programs at several universities, as informed by the Council for Legal Education. JAMB received submissions indicating that these programs no longer meet the required standards set by the council. Consequently, JAMB responded by pausing admissions into law faculties at nine different institutions for the 2025/26 academic session. This includes the law faculty at Fountain University in Osogbo. Such suspensions are not taken lightly and usually follow extensive consultations with stakeholders and thorough evaluations by legal education experts. It underscores the vigilance and prioritization of quality education standards prevailing within the board and the council.
In addition to Fountain University, eight other institutions are similarly affected. These include Kwara State University in Malete, Bingham University in Nasarawa, Redeemers University in Osun, Western Delta University in Delta, Taraba State University in Jalingo, Arthur Jarvis University in Cross River, Alex Ekwueme Federal University in Ebonyi, and the Nigerian Police Academy in Kano. The decision to suspend the law program at the Nigerian Police Academy spans two academic sessions, 2025/2026 and 2026/2027, demonstrating a staggered approach towards ensuring compliance with legal educational standards.
Scrutiny and Removal of Deceptive CBT Centers
Another critical aspect forcing the delay is the discovery that certain Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers employed deceptive means to gain approval from JAMB. An extensive audit revealed that some centers used unauthorized facilities, undermining the integrity of the JAMB registration process. To rectify this, JAMB has begun a comprehensive review, ensuring only genuinely capable centers receive accreditation. By disapproving these centers, JAMB seeks to maintain the credibility and fairness of the examination process while safeguarding students' interests.
This measure reinforces JAMB's commitment to creating a level playing field for UTME candidates. Not only does this protect students from exploitation by unscrupulous operators, but it also enhances the reliability of the UTME as an equitable path into the tertiary education system. Candidates and stakeholders are urged to stay informed about approved CBT centers and use JAMB's resources to verify the authenticity of centers.
Impact on Candidates and Stakeholders
The rescheduling of the UTME registration date, alongside the suspension of law programs, has certainly raised concerns across Nigeria's educational landscape. For many students and their families, these changes necessitate adjustments to their preparatory schedules and plans. JAMB has acknowledged the potential disruption caused and tendered apologies for any inconvenience that may have arisen.
Despite this inconvenience, the board remains determined that adequate time is crucial for implementing these important enhancements. The overarching goal is to deliver a seamless and transparent registration process while upholding the quality and approval status of academic programs offered across Nigerian universities. Students are encouraged to utilize the JAMB portal and official updates to stay informed.
Additionally, this change is expected to refine the registration process, mitigating errors and ensuring candidates are not subjected to avoidable challenges during registration. For institutions, this also serves as a reminder of the need for continuous adherence to educational criteria as stipulated by relevant authoritative bodies like the Council for Legal Education.
JAMB's Commitment to Quality and Transparency
JAMB's proactive approach in addressing these issues highlights its commitment to quality assurance and transparency within the Nigerian educational system. The decision to suspend some law programs and scrutinize CBT centers is a testament to its dedication to maintaining academic standards.
This ongoing commitment underscores an unwavering focus on creating a credible admissions platform into Nigeria's tertiary institutions. By taking these steps, JAMB aims to rectify discrepancies and bolster public confidence in the admissions process. The board remains resolute in its mission to provide equitable access to quality higher education for all Nigerian students, while ensuring their processes align with global standards of fairness and excellence.
Stakeholders, including students, parents, and educational institutions, are encouraged to engage with JAMB's continuous updates and guidelines as they navigate these changes. This engagement is vital, as it fosters an informed community ready to embrace the improvements being implemented for the future benefit of Nigeria's educational landscape.
