The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has confirmed that Saturday, 28 June 2025, will host a dedicated mop‑up session of its Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This special resit is exclusively for candidates affected by previous disruptions during this year’s admission tests—an opportunity long awaited by thousands hoping to iron out earlier setbacks.
In an official statement shared on Sunday, JAMB’s Public Communications Adviser, Dr Fabian Benjamin, outlined the arrangements slated for the mop‑up UTME. He specified that eligible candidates can now begin printing their notification slips starting Monday, 23 June. These slips will show assigned examination centres and the exact timing of each candidate’s test.
Who qualifies for the mop-up UTME?
A total of 96,838 candidates have been granted a second chance. This includes:
- 5,096 spill-over candidates, whose main UTME schedules extended beyond the regular timeline.
- Candidates who experienced biometric failures, preventing them from writing their first UTME.
- 91,742 absentees, registered individuals who missed either—or both—the original UTME and its rescheduled version.
These candidates will sit their mop‑up UTME in 183 computer‑based test (CBT) centres spread across Nigeria. Additional candidates have been listed as “stand-by” to fill in available spaces, should unforeseen circumstances require.
Why the mop‑up session?
JAMB introduced the mop‑up UTME to address the challenges faced during the April main examination, compounded by a rescheduled round in May. Earlier disruptions included technical snags at 65 centres in Lagos and 92 across Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, and Ebonyi. The mop‑up is not routine—it is a corrective measure tailored for 2025 candidates impacted by these irregularities.
What candidates should do next
From 23 June, eligible candidates can log in to the JAMB portal and download their notification slips. These must be printed and carefully reviewed ahead of the mop‑up date.
On exam day, Saturday, 28 June, the first session will begin promptly at 8:00 am. Candidates are strongly advised to arrive at least one hour early—ideally by 7:00 am—to ensure a smooth registration and prevent delays.
Upholding exam integrity
In tandem with the mop‑up UTME, JAMB has taken firm measures against malpractice. The board has suspended or delisted 113 CBT centres found wanting on technical grounds or under scrutiny for malpractice. Investigations by the State Security Service, Nigeria Police, and NSCDC revealed the involvement of examination syndicates, school proprietors, tutorial outfits, and even some JAMB staff.
Several affected examination towns have been deactivated, with candidates reassigned to nearby viable centres. JAMB has expressed gratitude to security agencies for their “extraordinary devotion, passion and tenacity” in exposing fraud and identity theft.
The mop‑up also presents an opportunity to clamp down on impersonators, including undergraduates who write on behalf of others. Offending students will face institutional sanctions, including expulsion, alongside legal proceedings under the Examination Malpractice Act of 1999. JAMB assured parents and institutions that violators will be dealt with firmly.
Support and supervision on Mop‑Up Day
A new enforcement mechanism is being deployed: dedicated squads of invigilators and security personnel will oversee the mop‑up exercise to ensure fairness and compliance. This is in line with Education Minister Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa’s declared “war on malpractice”.
What this means for candidates
This mop‑up session represents a lifeline for affected candidates. After missing out due to systemic glitches, absenteeism, or biometric issues, they now have a final opportunity to sit the UTME—provided they seize it.
Key dates to remember:
- 23 June 2025: Notification slip printing begins.
- 28 June 2025: Mop‑Up UTME takes place.
- 8:00 am sharp: First test session begins. Candidates are urged to arrive no later than 7:00 am.
Final thoughts
For nearly 97,000 candidates nationwide, this mop‑up UTME is more than a continuation—it’s a second chance, a redemption, and an affirmation of the institution’s commitment to equity. It underscores JAMB’s willingness to rectify its processes and uphold integrity, even in the face of widespread disruption.
Candidates are encouraged to act now: print your slip, study diligently, and arrive early on mop‑up day. For many, this is the defining moment between setback and success.
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