The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has shared important news for students who were not able to take their 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). JAMB has said it will soon announce the date for the 2025 UTME mop-up examination.

This special mop-up exam is for students who missed the main UTME for reasons that were not their fault. These include problems like issues with fingerprint or face recognition during the exam (called biometric issues) or for students who registered to take the exam in other countries (foreign centres).

In a bulletin released on Monday, JAMB said that it is still working on the final plans for this special exam. The board said it hopes to announce the exact date before the end of June 2025.

Let’s take a closer look at what this means, who the exam is for, and what students should do next.

What Is the JAMB UTME Mop-Up Exam?

The UTME mop-up exam is a second chance for candidates who were supposed to take the exam earlier but couldn’t, because of problems that were not their fault.

For example:

  • If a student came to the exam center but couldn’t be verified through the biometric system, they were not allowed to write the exam.

  • Some students who registered at foreign centers also missed their exams due to international issues like travel delays or technical problems.

To make sure that these students are not left out, JAMB organizes this mop-up exam. It gives them a fair chance to sit for the UTME and seek admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Why Is This Important?

Many students study for months to take the UTME. It is one of the most important exams for students who want to go to higher institutions in Nigeria. If a student misses the exam because of problems beyond their control, it would be unfair not to give them another chance.

That’s why JAMB organizes the mop-up exam—to make sure every serious and eligible student gets a fair chance.

Who Is Eligible for the 2025 Mop-Up UTME?

According to JAMB’s bulletin, the following students are qualified to take the mop-up exam:

  1. Students with Biometric Issues:
    These are students who came to the exam center but couldn’t complete their biometric verification (fingerprint or face scan). JAMB requires biometric checks to prevent cheating or impersonation. However, sometimes the system fails, and that is not the student’s fault.

  2. Students Registered in Foreign Centres:
    Some Nigerian students who live or study abroad may have registered to take the UTME in countries outside Nigeria. If something went wrong at those centers and they missed the exam, they will be included in this mop-up.

  3. Other Verified Cases Approved by JAMB:
    In some special cases, JAMB may allow other students to take the mop-up exam. These students must show strong proof that they missed the main exam due to serious and valid reasons.

When Will the Mop-Up Exam Take Place?

Right now, there is no official date for the mop-up exam. JAMB said they are finalizing arrangements and working to make sure everything is ready. The exam date is expected to be announced before the end of June 2025.

JAMB has warned students not to believe any dates they see on social media unless it comes from JAMB’s official channels like their website or verified social media pages.

NOTE: Candidates are advised to disregard any social media posts suggesting specific dates. The Board will make an official announcement once the date is confirmed, the bulletin said.

What Should Students Do Now?

While waiting for the official announcement, here are some steps students should take:

1. Stay Calm and Be Patient

If you missed the first exam for valid reasons, don’t panic. JAMB knows about your case and is planning the mop-up exam to help you.

2. Follow JAMB’s Official Channels

Check JAMB’s website, official Twitter, Facebook, and other trusted platforms for updates. Don’t believe rumors from unknown pages or WhatsApp groups.

3. Keep Your Registration Details Safe

You will likely need your JAMB registration number and other details when it’s time to write the mop-up exam. Make sure you don’t lose them.

4. Keep Studying

Even though you missed the first exam, don’t stop reading. Keep preparing like the exam is tomorrow. The mop-up exam will be just as serious as the main one.

5. Be Ready for a Short Notice

Sometimes, the date for the mop-up exam can come quickly after it is announced. So be prepared in advance. Gather your materials and be ready to travel to your exam center when the time comes.

Common Questions Students May Ask

Q1: How will I know if I’m selected for the mop-up exam?

JAMB will release a list or notify affected students through their email or profile on the JAMB portal. You may also get an SMS if your number is linked.

Q2: Will the mop-up exam be easier or harder than the main UTME?

No. The mop-up exam will have the same format and difficulty level as the main UTME. It will be fair and standard for all.

Q3: Will I have to pay again to take the mop-up exam?

Usually, no extra payment is required if you already registered for the main UTME and missed it due to issues like biometric problems. But it is best to wait for JAMB’s official instructions.

Q4: Can I choose a new center for the mop-up exam?

JAMB will assign centers for the mop-up exam. You may not be able to choose, but JAMB tries to make it convenient.

Final Words from JAMB

JAMB is asking students to be careful and not fall for fake news. They said:

“The Board will make an official announcement once the date is confirmed.”

This means that if you missed the UTME due to a genuine problem, JAMB has not forgotten you. They are working hard to make sure that you get another chance soon.

How to Stay Updated

Here are ways to follow JAMB’s real updates:

  • Website: www.jamb.gov.ng

  • Facebook: JAMB Official Page

  • Twitter/X: @JAMBHQ

  • Email: Check the email you used to register

  • SMS: Keep your phone line active in case of text messages

Encouragement for Affected Students

It’s not easy to prepare for an exam, miss it, and wait again. Many students feel worried or sad. But remember, you are not alone. Thousands of other students are in the same situation, and JAMB is working to help all of you.

Use this waiting time as an opportunity to:

  • Go over topics you found hard before.

  • Practice more past questions.

  • Ask questions and learn with friends or tutors.

Conclusion

The 2025 UTME mop-up exam is coming soon. If you missed the first UTME for real and serious reasons, JAMB will give you another chance. The date is not out yet, but it will be announced before the end of June 2025.

Stay calm, keep studying, and follow only JAMB’s official news. Do not fall for fake dates or scams. Your future is still bright, and this second chance is a step in the right direction.