By Felix Khanoba
The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), began on Thursday at more than 800 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across Nigeria.
During monitoring visits to several centres in Abuja, exam supervisors expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the test, particularly emphasizing the punctuality of candidates and the absence of technical difficulties.
At Rosa Mystica Academy, a JAMB-accredited CBT centre, supervisor Salihu Mustapha commended candidates for arriving early, noting that the early turnout contributed to the smooth running of the day’s sessions.
“The candidates came out early. It is commendable. We started accreditation around 6:30 am, and the examination started promptly around 8 am,” he said.
Mustapha also lauded the facility for providing a supportive environment for the exercise. He noted that Thursday’s exam included two sessions, while three and four sessions are planned for Friday and Saturday, respectively.
“With the way the examination is going, I do not envisage any challenge on the remaining days. I commend JAMB for its plan that has ensured that everything went as planned,” he added.
At Ade-Ola International Schools CBT Centre, another supervisor, Dr. Aminu Abdullahi, echoed similar views, praising JAMB and the examination centre for their efficiency.
“It started timely. The candidates came timely. The centre itself and the management are very cooperative. They have well-arranged seating, security, and everything is running smoothly.
“JAMB is always evolving; they always maintain standards. The only emphasis is on punctuality, and the candidates and ad-hoc staff came in early. For me, this year, there was more compliance,” he said.
Candidates also confirmed the exam went on without glitches.
“We started at 8 am. The examination went on smoothly. This is my first time, and I enjoyed the experience. My computer did not malfunction. There were no technical issues,” said Adams George, a candidate at the Ade-Ola centre.
However, some parents raised concerns over the early start time of the exam, particularly for candidates commuting long distances.
“I know someone who is supposed to take her examination in Bwari, and she lives in Deidei. A lot of challenges might happen on transit that might affect the person meeting up with the examination. At least, they should start by 8:00 am or 8:30 am,” said Shaibu Peter.
Another parent, Ijeoma Joseph, shared her experience: “We slept here yesterday so as to make it. We came from Madalla. The examination time is too early.”
