By Gabriel Dike and Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has commenced nationwide, with nearly two million participating across hundreds of Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.
The examination, expectedly, kicked off across all the accredited CBT centres in Abuja and, perhaps, across other locations in the country.
At a CBT centre in Kurudu, Abuja, candidates, with the help of their parents, reported to the centre as early as possible, particularly those scheduled for 7am examination, while others scheduled later in the day also reported to the school for, perhaps, final preparations before the biometric screening that will culminate in the commencement of the examination.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, had repeatedly assured candidates that they would have the best experience in this year’s UTME, leveraging the innovations introduced into the system to strengthen the credibility of the exercise, and ensure efficiency and seamless exercise.
The UTME exercise, which is conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), provides an opportunity to test the candidates who desire admissions into the university.
A few weeks ago, JAMB conducted mock-UTME for 211, 000 candidates, stressing that the result of the examination will not be included in the candidate’s score in the main UTME.
JAMB introduced the mock-UTME a few years ago as a prelude to the main UTME examination. It serves as an opportunity for candidates to have a taste of what UTME looks like, conquer fear and anxiety, and also an opportunity for JAMB to test their readiness for the main 2025 examination schedule to start on April 24, by experimenting with new strategies designed to improve the process.
Meanwhile, the exams started behind schedule in some CBT centres in Lagos.
Also, in some parts of Lagos, the CBT operators were forced to switch over to their generators because of non-availability of public power supply by the electricity distribution companies.
About two million candidates are writing the 2025 UTME nationwide from Thursday, April 24 to Monday, May 5, 2025 in approved CBT centres.
The first batch of candidates did not start the UTME as scheduled due to some logistics. While some candidates arrived later for the exam.
Some CBT centres visited by our correspondent revealed that the UTME started one hour or two hours behind schedule as the first batch finished between 10.00am and 10.45am.
As at 11.00am candidates for the second batch have not been called into the exam waiting room.
Many of the second batch candidates and their parents were outside anxiously waiting for their turn under the scorching sun.
At Bafuto Institute of Management Information and Technology, at Ilewe, Lagos and a centre at a private school at Orioke, Lagos, many were still writing the exam as at 10.20am.
Some parents complained about the long hours of waiting for their wards to finish for the first batch under the sun.
Many of the candidates disclosed that the exam was hitch-free and that they started late.