JAMB 2025 Latest Updates – New UTME Policies, Exam Dates & Admission Rules
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has been making headlines recently with major announcements affecting candidates preparing for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Below are the latest JAMB updates as of February 11, 2025.
1. JAMB Sets 320 UTME Benchmark for Under-16 Candidates
JAMB has announced that candidates under the age of 16 may now be considered for admission into tertiary institutions if they score at least 80% (320 out of 400) in the UTME.
This policy shift follows the reversal of the mandatory 18-year admission age benchmark introduced by the former Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman. The current Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, reinstated the previous benchmark of 16 years, with allowances for exceptional cases.
During a meeting with stakeholders, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, emphasized that while the standard admission age remains 16, gifted students must not be overlooked. These students must also demonstrate outstanding academic ability through multiple assessments, including WASSCE, Post-UTME, and GCE O/Level.
Oloyede also criticized private universities for admitting underage students who often struggle academically, noting that 80% of such students eventually transfer to other programs due to poor performance. Additionally, he condemned parents who manipulate birth records for early admission, only to later alter their children’s ages for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) eligibility.
To assess the readiness of younger candidates, JAMB has introduced a mock UTME for underage students. This test is not for admission purposes but will allow them to gauge their abilities before officially sitting for the UTME.
2. JAMB Announces New Novel for 2025 UTME
JAMB has introduced a new novel for the 2025 UTME Use of English examination, replacing The Life Changer, which had been in use since 2021. Candidates are advised to obtain and study the new text, as it will form part of the comprehension and summary sections of the exam.
3. JAMB 2025 Registration and Examination Dates
JAMB has officially announced the timeline for the 2025 UTME:
- Registration Period: January 31 – March 5, 2025
- Mock UTME Date: February 23, 2025
- Main UTME Exam Dates: March 8 – March 22, 2025
Candidates are encouraged to register early to avoid last-minute issues and carefully follow JAMB’s registration guidelines.
4. JAMB Suspends Admissions into Law Programs at Eight Universities
JAMB has suspended law admissions at the following universities for the 2025/2026 academic session due to non-compliance with the Council of Legal Education (CLE) regulations:
- Kwara State University, Ilorin
- Bingham University, Nasarawa
- Redeemers University, Osun
- Western Delta University, Delta
- Taraba State University, Jalingo
- Arthur Jarvis University, Cross River
- Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ebonyi
- Nigerian Police Academy, Kano (suspension lasts for two sessions: 2025/2026 and 2026/2027)
JAMB will not process applications for law programs at these institutions until the suspension is lifted.
5. National Assembly Removes JAMB from 2025 Budget Over Financial Concerns
The National Assembly has excluded JAMB from the 2025 federal budget grant due to concerns over financial management. Lawmakers criticized JAMB’s spending, including ₦1.1 billion on meals and refreshments, ₦850 million on security and cleaning, and ₦600 million on local travels in 2024. The decision means JAMB will now operate independently without government funding.
6. UTME 2025 Revision Classes Begin
With the UTME fast approaching, educational platforms and tutors have begun offering revision classes covering key subjects such as:
- Use of English
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Literature in English
Candidates are advised to take advantage of these resources, including past questions, online tutorials, and study guides, to improve their chances of success.
Staying informed about JAMB’s latest policies and exam schedules is very important for UTME candidates. Whether it’s the introduction of a new novel, changes in Jamb age requirements, or suspension of certain law programs, students must be prepared and well-informed. Candidates should also utilize revision classes and follow official JAMB updates to excel in the 2025 UTME.
