The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a decisive warning against the practice of nocturnal registration for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) by certain designated registration centres across Nigeria. This practice, which involves conducting registration activities during nighttime hours, has raised significant concerns within the Board regarding the safety and security of prospective candidates. JAMB, through its Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, has unequivocally condemned this practice, directing all implicated centres to cease such activities immediately. The Board emphasizes that while it appreciates the dedication of these centres to accommodate a large number of candidates, this should never compromise the well-being and security of the individuals involved.
The core of JAMB’s concern lies in the potential risks associated with nocturnal registration. Operating during nighttime hours exposes candidates to various security threats, including potential harassment, theft, or other forms of criminal activity. The Board’s primary responsibility is to ensure a safe and conducive environment for all candidates throughout the registration process. By conducting registrations in the dark, these centres disregard this responsibility, placing prospective students in potentially vulnerable situations. Moreover, the practice raises questions about the transparency and integrity of the registration process itself, as nighttime operations can facilitate irregularities and create opportunities for malpractice.
JAMB has publicly identified ten specific registration centres across several states in Nigeria that have been engaging in this unacceptable practice. The list includes centres located in Kwara State, Benue State, Rivers State, Jigawa State, Abuja, Cross River State, and Plateau State. This public identification serves as a final warning to these centres and any others contemplating similar actions. The Board has made it abundantly clear that no further warnings will be issued before it takes decisive action against violators. This underscores the seriousness with which JAMB views this matter and its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all UTME candidates.
The Board’s stance against nocturnal registration aligns with its broader commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency, and integrity in the entire UTME process. JAMB urges all accredited registration centres to prioritize the well-being and safety of prospective candidates above financial gains. The pursuit of profit should never come at the expense of students’ security and the overall credibility of the examination. The Board emphasizes that all registered centres must operate within the stipulated guidelines and regulations governing the registration process. Any deviation from these rules, including nocturnal registration, will not be tolerated.
JAMB has reiterated its commitment to robustly monitoring the registration process to ensure strict adherence to established guidelines. This includes proactive surveillance and investigation of reported irregularities. The Board aims to safeguard the integrity of the UTME and promote fairness and equity for all candidates. By taking a firm stance against nocturnal registration, JAMB is sending a clear message that it will not condone practices that jeopardize the safety and security of students or compromise the integrity of the examination process.
In conclusion, JAMB’s warning against nocturnal registration serves as a critical reminder of its commitment to ensuring a safe, transparent, and equitable UTME process. The Board’s firm stance, coupled with its public identification of erring centres, demonstrates its resolve to address this issue decisively. By prioritizing the well-being of candidates and upholding the integrity of the examination, JAMB reinforces its role as a responsible and accountable body entrusted with the crucial task of managing tertiary matriculation in Nigeria. This action sends a strong message to all stakeholders, reaffirming the Board’s dedication to conducting a credible and secure UTME for all aspiring tertiary students.
