The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) conducted a mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Thursday, with over 211,000 prospective candidates participating at designated Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers nationwide. This exercise serves as a crucial pre-examination drill, allowing JAMB to assess its operational readiness for the main UTME scheduled for April 25th. JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, oversaw the mock examination process and confirmed that the results would be released on Friday. The purpose of this mock exam, he explained, is twofold: to test the board’s preparedness and to experiment with new strategies for enhancing the examination process. This continuous improvement is driven by the evolving tactics employed by some candidates attempting to circumvent the system. The mock exam allows JAMB to preemptively address potential challenges and refine its procedures for a seamless and credible main examination.
Professor Oloyede emphasized the importance of diligent study as the only guaranteed path to success in the UTME. He expressed concern over the proliferation of fraudulent websites and individuals preying on candidates’ anxieties by promising examination assistance in exchange for money. To combat this, JAMB has implemented a proactive strategy, setting up a decoy website to identify and apprehend those seeking to cheat. As of Thursday morning, approximately 180 individuals had fallen prey to this trap, paying into the decoy account in hopes of obtaining examination questions. Professor Oloyede made it clear that these individuals, having demonstrated intent to cheat, would face severe consequences, including the cancellation of their UTME and Direct Entry (DE) results. This decisive action underscores JAMB’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the examination process.
The Registrar’s message to candidates was unequivocal: avoid fraudulent websites and individuals offering assistance. He highlighted the futility of such endeavors, noting some individuals were paying as much as N30,000 for services that would ultimately prove worthless. He expressed a mix of amusement and concern at the desperation exhibited by some candidates seeking shortcuts, reiterating that hard work and thorough preparation are the only reliable routes to success. The UTME is not a school-based examination; candidates register individually, reducing the potential for schools to manipulate results for boasting purposes. This individual registration also protects candidates from potential exploitation, as sharing registration numbers could expose them to fraudulent schemes.
JAMB’s proactive approach, including the mock examination and the decoy website, demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a level playing field for all candidates. The board’s continuous efforts to adapt and improve its processes are essential in the face of evolving cheating tactics. The message to candidates is clear: focus on studying and avoid the allure of fraudulent schemes. The mock exam serves as a valuable learning experience for both JAMB and the candidates, allowing for adjustments and improvements before the main examination. The swift release of the mock exam results further underscores JAMB’s efficiency and commitment to providing timely feedback to candidates.
The 2025 UTME is a critical juncture for hundreds of thousands of aspiring university students. JAMB’s comprehensive preparations, including the mock exam and the proactive measures against cheating, aim to ensure a fair and credible examination process. The board’s commitment to transparency and its unwavering stance against fraudulent practices reinforce the value of hard work and dedicated preparation as the keys to success. The UTME is designed to assess candidates’ aptitude and readiness for tertiary education, and JAMB’s efforts are directed towards maintaining the integrity of this crucial assessment.
By conducting the mock examination and taking decisive action against those attempting to cheat, JAMB is sending a strong message: the only viable path to success in the UTME is through diligent study and preparation. The decoy website serves as a deterrent and a means of identifying those seeking unfair advantages. The board’s proactive approach, coupled with its commitment to transparency, reinforces the importance of academic integrity and ensures a fair and credible examination process for all candidates. The experience gained from the mock exam will undoubtedly contribute to a smoother and more efficient main examination, ultimately benefiting both JAMB and the aspiring university students it serves.
