The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has rolled out a new initiative to offer a mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) specifically for candidates under the age of 16.
This is directed at providing younger candidates the opportunity to test their abilities, though it will not count towards admission to tertiary institutions.
JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made the announcement during a meeting with media executives in Lagos.
He stated that the official UTME for 2025 will take place on March 8, with registration opening on January 31 and closing on March 5. The mock UTME will be held on February 23.
Oloyede clarified that this mock exam is intended solely for trial purposes for those who do not yet meet the age requirement for university admission.
He emphasised that only candidates who are 16 years old by September 30 will be eligible to apply for tertiary admissions.
However, exceptional underage candidates who score over 280 marks in the UTME, and excel in their secondary school examinations, may still be considered for admission.
The registration costs vary; UTME with mock: ₦8,200, UTME without mock: ₦7,200, and Mock-only trial: ₦5,700.
In preparation for the 2025 UTME, Oloyede confirmed that 870 computer-based test centres have been approved, marking an increase from last year’s 747 centres.
This announcement aligns with JAMB’s commitment to maintain age regulations for admissions while ensuring broader access to examination facilities for all candidates.