UTME recorded minimal hitches nationwide as JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede confirmed smooth conduct of the examination and warned candidates and parents against fraudsters promising score upgrades.
IBADAN, Nigeria – The ongoing UTME has recorded only minimal operational hitches nationwide, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said on Saturday, while warning candidates and parents against examination fraud.
Oloyede made the disclosure during a routine monitoring visit to Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres in Oyo State, including the University of Ibadan CBT centre.
According to him, the UTME exercise has been largely successful, with only a small number of centres experiencing minor technical or power-related issues.
“Like any human activity, there will be challenges, but they have been minimal,” he said.
He revealed that out of about 980 CBT centres across the country, only 16 had reported issues since the commencement of the examination.
The JAMB registrar added that more than 1.7 million candidates had already sat for the UTME within the first three days of the nationwide exercise.
Oloyede praised the conduct of the examination process, describing it as superb, while commending vice-chancellors, rectors and other academic officials serving as proctors for their support.
On reports linking the examination to alleged kidnappings of candidates, Oloyede cautioned against spreading unverified information.
“It is unfortunate that people were kidnapped, but linking them directly to JAMB without evidence complicates security efforts. The focus should be on ensuring their safe return,” he said.
Addressing concerns over early arrival times, he clarified that UTME examinations do not begin at 6:30 a.m., noting that candidates are only required to arrive early for accreditation.
He explained that JAMB had shifted the examination start time from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. following public feedback, although the adjustment resulted in longer waiting periods in some centres.
Oloyede also corrected misconceptions about the role of the UTME in securing admission, stressing that the examination is only one requirement alongside O’Level results and other admission criteria.
He further warned candidates and parents against fraudsters promising “exam runs” or score manipulation.
According to him, JAMB has intensified efforts to track and prosecute offenders involved in examination malpractice and online scams.
“We have our own mechanisms to detect such fraud. Those who attempt shortcuts will be identified and sanctioned,” he said.
The registrar urged the public to report suspicious social media platforms and commended security agencies for supporting efforts to preserve the integrity of the UTME process.
He reaffirmed JAMB’s commitment to conducting credible examinations and ensuring merit-based admissions into tertiary institutions.
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