Setting off on the journey to secure admission into a university in Nigeria often begins with the O’Level Exams and JAMB’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). For many, this exam symbolises hope, ambition, and a stepping stone to achieving their academic dreams. This guide provides everything prospective students need to know about the examination as well as the option to get a degree without JAMB UTME.
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Understanding the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination
What Is the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination?
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is a computer-based standardised test conducted annually by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Nigeria. It is designed to assess the academic readiness of students seeking admission into tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and innovation enterprise institutions. Since its inception in 1978, the UTME has been a critical component of Nigeria’s higher education system.
Purpose of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination
The UTME assesses candidates’ knowledge and readiness for higher education, ensuring that they meet the minimum academic requirements for admission, and helps institutions select qualified applicants. Additionally, it standardises the admission process across all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Quick Facts About the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination
| Acronym | UTME |
| Type | Computer-based standardised test |
| Organiser | Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board |
| Purpose | Admissions to undergraduate programmes |
| Year started | 1978 |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Score range | 0 to 400 |
| Result validity | 1 year |
| Offered | Once a year |
| Regions | Nigeria |
| Languages | English |
| Annual number of test takers | 1.90 million candidates in 2024 |
| Prerequisites | Preparing for tertiary education |
| 2025 Fee | ₦3,500 |
| Used by | Universities, polytechnics, and colleges |
| Website | jamb.gov.ng |
>> Apply to Miva Open University without JAMB
Registration Guidelines for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination
Registration Guidelines
- Registration is conducted once a year.
- Candidates can only select four subjects for the examination, including the mandatory ‘Use of English’ and three other subjects relevant to their chosen field of study. (Refer to the JAMB UTME brochure to confirm subject requirements for your desired course.)
- Candidates must be at least 18 years old in the admission year from 2025.
Candidates who are 16 years old would be considered for admissions into tertiary institutions for the 2024 academic year, however , the entry age would be 18 years as from next academic year.
— JAMB (@JAMBHQ) July 18, 2024
The Registration Process
Candidates register online via the JAMB portal or, preferably, at accredited registration centres. Documents needed include:
- Personal details (Name, Date of Birth, etc.)
- Valid contact and identity details (phone number, email address, and National Identification Number (NIN).
- O’Level results (can be uploaded later if not available at the time of registration).
- Choice of tertiary institution and course.
How to Register for 2025 JAMB UTME
- Create Your JAMB Profile: Send your NIN to 55019 to generate your JAMB profile.
- Use an Active Email Address: Ensure you have a valid and accessible email address to receive updates and notifications from JAMB.
- Provide Your Phone Number: Your phone number will be needed for alerts and communication with JAMB.
- Purchase JAMB e-PIN: Buy the e-PIN online or from any JAMB-approved bank nationwide.
- Prepare Your O’Level/A’Level Result: Have a printout of your result ready for the registration process. If it is not available at the time of registration, it can be uploaded later.
- Double-Check Your Biodata: Write down all your personal details to avoid errors during registration.
- Visit an Accredited CBT Centre: Complete your registration at a JAMB-approved CBT centre.
To generate your profile, get your NIN from the NIMC. Use a retrievable phone number that has not been used before on our platform to type NIN in capital letter, leave a space, then, the actual NIN and send to either 55019 or 66019. eg. NIN 23456789012 send to 55019 or 66019.
— JAMB (@JAMBHQ) January 15, 2025
Candidates are issued a unique registration number and a slip indicating their exam details.
Subject Combinations for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination
Subject combinations refer to a grouping of four subjects that include the mandatory ‘Use of English’ and three other subjects relevant to a candidate’s chosen field of study. Selecting the correct subject combination is essential for admission into your chosen course. Examples include:
- Medicine: English, Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
- Engineering: English, Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
- Law: English, Literature-in-English, Government, and any other relevant subject.
Please consult the JAMB brochure for the specific combinations for your desired course.
When Is the 2025 JAMB UTME Registration?
According to JAMB’s official calendar, the registration period for the 2025 JAMB UTME will run from 15th January to 26th February 2025. Prospective candidates should register early to avoid last-minute problems.
How Much Is the JAMB Registration Form?
The registration fee for the UTME is ₦3,500. This fee covers:
- The JAMB registration form.
- Access to the syllabus and brochure.
Candidates are required to pay an additional ₦700 (seven hundred naira only) service charge to the accredited CBT centre during registration and ₦500 for the recommended reading text. Set aside ₦7,000 to cover the registration and any additional fees, such as the optional JAMB mock exams.
>>Apply to study in Miva without JAMB
What Is the UTME Exam Structure?
Subjects
Candidates must select four subjects based on their desired course of study.
- English Language: Compulsory for all candidates.
- The other three subjects depend on the requirements of the chosen course (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, and Physics for Medicine).
Question Format
The UTME is structured as a multiple-choice test with approximately 180 questions. Use of English includes 60 questions, while the other three subjects contain 40 questions each.
Mode of Examination
The UTME is entirely computer-based, ensuring a secure and efficient process. Candidates complete the test within a set time limit of two hours.
Examination Rules
- Calculators, pens, timers, or any electronic devices are prohibited during the exam.
- Mobile phones are not allowed in the exam hall. Violators risk disqualification and forfeiture of their results.
- The only permitted items in the exam hall are your reprinted e-registration slip and pencil.
- Results are typically available a few days after the exam via JAMB’s website, SMS, and email. Scores are also sent to the institutions applied to.
When Will 2025 JAMB UTME Take Place?
The 2025 UTME is scheduled to hold between 18th and 28th April 2025. Candidates should check their registration slip for the exact date and time of their examination.
When Is the 2025 JAMB UTME Mock Exam?
The JAMB mock examination is a practice test designed to familiarise candidates with the computer-based test (CBT) format. It is optional and scheduled for 6th April 2025. Candidates interested in taking the mock exam must indicate during registration and pay an additional fee.
For practice tests and mock exams, consider using the uLesson app on mobile or the web app on Chrome, which provides interactive quizzes, video lessons, and real-time feedback to help you prepare effectively.
Preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination
Effective preparation is key to excelling in the UTME. While the organising body, JAMB, doesn’t organise tutorials for candidates, they provide a syllabus, which is either made available online or given to students when they register. Candidates are expected to cover all the subject areas in the syllabus.
Here are some tips to guide your study:
- Use the JAMB syllabus to guide your study.
- Create a study schedule and stick to it.
- Study with reliable platforms like the uLesson app, which offers engaging video lessons and tests.
- Practice past questions regularly.
- Take practice exams and mock exams on the uLesson app to build confidence.
JAMB UTME Scoring
The UTME is graded on a scale of 0 to 400. Each candidate’s score determines their eligibility for admission and their chances of gaining admission into their desired institution and course.
What Is the Minimum Cut-Off Mark for JAMB UTME?
At the 2024 Policy Meeting, JAMB approved the following cut-off marks for the 2024/2025 academic session:
- Universities: 140.
- Polytechnics, Monotechnics, and Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs): 100.
- Colleges of Education: 100.
What Is the Validity of UTME Results?
A JAMB UTME result is valid for one academic year only. Candidates who fail to secure admission within this period must reapply and retake the exam.
Challenges and Concerns of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination
The UTME is not without its challenges. Some of them include:
- Technical Issues: Network disruptions and computer malfunctions during exams.
- Examination Malpractice: Efforts are ongoing to curb malpractice through biometric verification and improved question management systems.
- Accessibility: Candidates in rural areas often face challenges accessing CBT centres.
Must I Write JAMB UTME?
Not all institutions in Nigeria require candidates to take the JAMB UTME. For instance, Miva Open University, a degree-awarding open university recognised and licensed by the National Universities Commission (NUC), does not require JAMB UTME for admission. After admission, the WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB results submitted by students during the application stage will be verified for authenticity. Additionally, JAMB Regularisation will be completed to formalise the admission process where necessary.
What Is JAMB Regularisation?
JAMB Regularisation is a process that ensures that candidates who gain admission without initially sitting for the JAMB UTME are properly documented in the JAMB database. This step is necessary for students to obtain their JAMB admission letter, which is often required to complete their academic records.
Requirements to Study at Miva Open University
The requirements to study at Miva include:
- A minimum of five credit passes in O’Level exams, including English Language and Mathematics in not more than two sittings.
- A passion for learning, innovation, and growth.
PS: The application is free!
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By providing all the details about the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, Miva Open University aims to empower students seeking admission into the university with the knowledge they need to succeed in their academic pursuits.
Whether you are preparing for your UTME or exploring Miva’s alternative admission route, we are here to guide you every step of the way. Learn more about our flexible application process and begin your academic journey with ease.
