JAMB will hold a special mop-up exam for students who missed the 2025 UTME. Everyone affected, no matter the reason, will get another shot. Keep reading for what this means and what comes next.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced it will run a mop-up exam for candidates who missed the 2025 UTME. This time, it’s for everyone left out, whether they missed it by mistake, illness, or any other reason.
Missed UTME? You’re Getting Another Chance
JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, broke the news during a meeting in Abuja. He said the board will give affected students a second chance, even if they simply didn’t show up the first time.
“This time, we’re opening the door wide. If you missed the test for any reason, you can write it again,” he said. “It’s not strange. That’s how proper systems work. If a student misses an exam, they get another go—as long as no one abuses the process.”
UTME Is a Ranking Test, Not a Smartness Contest
Oloyede made one thing clear. The UTME isn’t built to measure how clever someone is. It’s just there to rank students for limited university slots.
“It’s a placement exam,” he said. “We use it to sort out seats, not label anyone as brilliant or dull.”
No Favouritism, No Hidden Agenda
As usual, whenever exams get messy, people talk. There were whispers about tribal bias and poor planning. Oloyede didn’t dodge those rumours.
“I take the blame, not because I messed up, but because that’s my job,” he said. “Honestly, I didn’t know people read ethnic meaning into everything I do. That kind of thinking holds us back.”
Students and Staff Pushed Through Tough Conditions
While JAMB faced many hiccups during the main UTME, Oloyede praised students and workers who stayed focused.
“We had tight space,” he said. “But we knew if we sat around complaining, students would suffer more. So we pressed on.”
What Happens Next?
Dates for the mop-up exam will be announced soon. JAMB says it’s still committed to fairness and keeping the process open for all.
For now, affected candidates should keep an eye out for updates. One thing is clear—if you missed the first UTME, you’ll get another shot.