As the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) mop-up test draws very near, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is very worried. The Board has said that only a small number of the candidates who are supposed to write the exam on Saturday, June 28, 2025, have printed their exam slips.
These slips are very important. Without them, candidates will not be allowed to enter the exam hall. The slip tells each candidate where and when they are to write the exam.
On Friday morning, just a day before the mop-up exam, JAMB shared some surprising news. Out of the 98,232 candidates who are expected to write the mop-up exam, only 12,442 had printed their notification slips. This means only 12.6% of candidates have prepared to write the exam. That is very low.
What Is the Mop-Up Exam?
The UTME mop-up examination is a second chance for candidates who, for one reason or another, were unable to write the original UTME earlier this year. These reasons could be technical problems, biometric verification issues, or other challenges faced by candidates at their earlier exam centers.
This mop-up exam is not for everyone. It is only for those that JAMB approved. If you missed the main exam but were not chosen by JAMB for the mop-up, you cannot take part. But if JAMB selected you, then this is your golden opportunity to take the exam and secure admission into your dream school.
JAMB’s Urgent Appeal
In a statement released on Friday, JAMB’s spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said the Board is appealing to all mop-up candidates to quickly print their slips. He warned that any candidate who fails to do so may miss the opportunity completely.
“We strongly encourage all candidates, particularly those who missed the main examination, to print their notification slips promptly,” Dr. Benjamin said.
“This is a rare opportunity for them to participate in this year’s examination,” he added.
He also explained that the Board is keeping track of how many candidates have printed their slips. So far, the numbers are not encouraging.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
Every year, many young people across Nigeria take the UTME to try to gain admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Missing the UTME is a big setback. And since there are limited opportunities to retake it, JAMB offers the mop-up exam to help such students.
But now, with only about 12% of the scheduled candidates having printed their slips just 24 hours before the exam, it’s a big concern. It means thousands of students may end up missing this second chance as well.
This can cause delays in their academic journey, which is why JAMB is sounding the alarm and encouraging all mop-up candidates to act fast.
How to Print Your UTME Mop-Up Exam Slip
For those who are still confused or unsure, here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to print your UTME mop-up slip:
1. Go to JAMB’s official website
2. Click on “Print Mop-Up Examination Slip”.
3. Enter your JAMB Registration Number or Email Address.
4. Click on “Print” or “Download”.
5. Print the slip or save it as a PDF to print later.
Make sure you check the details carefully, especially your exam center, date, and time. Try to visit your center a day before the exam to know exactly where it is.
What Happens If You Don’t Print It?
JAMB has made it very clear: No slip, no exam. If you do not print your examination slip, you will not be allowed to enter the exam hall. You will lose your chance completely.
The Board explained, “Please note that failure to print the examination notification slip will result in forfeiture of the opportunity to take the examination.”
This is why JAMB is urging all candidates to act now. Don’t wait until the last minute. Don’t assume that you can print it on the morning of the exam. Anything can go wrong — no internet, printer problems, electricity issues, or traffic on the way.
JAMB Is Ready
Even though candidates are slow in printing their slips, JAMB says it is fully prepared for the exam. It has sent both people and equipment to the necessary locations to make sure the exam runs smoothly.
“We have deployed both human and material resources to facilitate this exercise,” the Board said. “We are making sure all registered candidates have the opportunity to sit the examination.”
This means that if you do your part — by printing your slip and showing up at your center — you will be allowed to write the exam.
Important Things to Remember
As the exam day approaches, here are a few things all mop-up candidates should keep in mind:
- Print your slip today – Don’t wait. Do it now.
- Check the exam center address – Know exactly where it is and plan how to get there early.
- Bring the printed slip to the exam center – You won’t be allowed to write the exam without it.
- Arrive early – At least one hour before the exam time.
- Follow all instructions from JAMB officials – They are there to help you.
Why Students May Not Have Printed Their Slips Yet
There could be many reasons why students haven’t printed their slips. Some may not know they were selected for the mop-up. Others may not understand the process of printing. Some may even think there will be another chance after this. But that is not true.
JAMB has already said this is a rare opportunity. After this mop-up, the next UTME is in 2026. That’s a long time to wait. So it is very important that eligible candidates act now.
Parents and guardians also need to support their children. Help them check the JAMB website, assist them with printing, and make sure they prepare well.
What to Expect in the Exam
The mop-up exam will be like the main UTME. It will be computer-based, and each candidate will answer questions in four subjects. The total score is 400 marks.
Make sure you revise your subjects before the exam day. Practice past questions. Sleep well the night before. Eat something light in the morning. And stay calm during the exam.
Final Words from JAMB
JAMB ended its statement with one final call: “Once again, we urge all candidates to proceed immediately to print their slips for the examination scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, 28th June, 2025.”
This message is serious. If you are one of the 98,232 candidates chosen for the mop-up exam, don’t joke with this chance. Print your slip now, prepare for your exam, and show up early at your center.