UTME 2025: JAMB denies posting candidates outside chosen towns, offers cash reward for proof

In the wake of growing concerns and allegations from candidates and guardians alike, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has categorically denied claims that it posted Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates to towns outside of their selected choices. The Board, which is responsible for the conduct of entrance examinations into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and adherence to candidate preferences as expressed during registration.

The allegations had gained momentum on social media and among candidate communities, with some claiming that they were assigned examination centres far from their chosen locations. In reaction, JAMB issued an official statement denying these claims and even went a step further by offering a monetary reward to any candidate who could provide verifiable proof that they were posted outside their selected town or city.

JAMB's Official Statement

Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Public Relations Officer of JAMB, spoke extensively during a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday. According to him, the Board has consistently followed the principles of fairness and transparency in assigning examination centres. He emphasized that the Board had invested heavily in technology and logistical planning to ensure that candidates were posted strictly within their selected examination towns.

“We are aware of the concerns raised on social media and other platforms. However, we categorically state that no candidate was posted outside their town of choice as indicated during their registration for the 2025 UTME," Dr. Benjamin said.

He continued: “As an organization committed to integrity, we challenge any candidate with credible evidence showing they were posted outside their chosen town to present it. The Board will reward such a candidate with a cash prize of N100,000 upon verification.”

Dr. Benjamin further explained that some misunderstandings might have arisen because candidates often confuse "town" with "centre." According to him, a town may host multiple examination centres, and a candidate can be posted to any centre within the town or its immediate vicinity, but not outside the selected town itself.

The Roots of the Misunderstanding

Candidates usually select preferred examination towns, not specific centres, during UTME registration. For instance, a candidate who selects "Lagos Mainland" could be posted to any centre within that area, including Ikeja, Yaba, or Surulere. However, if the candidate mistakenly believes that selecting "Lagos Mainland" would guarantee them a specific street or neighbourhood, it can lead to misinterpretations when the examination slip is printed.

According to JAMB officials, there is often confusion when candidates who selected broader towns like "Abuja" find themselves assigned to examination centres in satellite towns such as Gwagwalada or Bwari. While technically within the broader Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) or Federal Capital Territory (FCT) jurisdiction, these towns might seem distant to candidates unfamiliar with the regional classifications.

JAMB insists that under no circumstance does it post candidates to completely different states or locations outside their stated choices unless the candidate expressly indicates willingness to be flexible during registration, which very few do.

The Cash Reward: An Accountability Mechanism

The N100,000 cash reward serves not just as an incentive but as an accountability measure. By openly challenging candidates to present evidence, JAMB seeks to demonstrate its confidence in the integrity of its assignment system while discouraging misinformation.

"This move is to show Nigerians that we are committed to excellence and transparency. Anyone who brings verifiable evidence will not only be compensated but will help us improve our system further if there are any loopholes we missed," Dr. Benjamin stressed.

He added that the Board had established a special Task Force to handle complaints related to centre posting and urged candidates to make use of official JAMB channels instead of social media for lodging grievances.

Candidates’ Reactions

The announcement has elicited mixed reactions among candidates and parents. Some welcomed JAMB’s openness and the idea of a cash reward, viewing it as a bold step toward greater accountability. Others, however, remained skeptical.

A candidate, Oluwatosin Adebayo, who registered to sit for the UTME in Ibadan, said she was initially confused when she saw her centre listed as "Moniya." However, upon checking, she realized Moniya is still within the Ibadan jurisdiction.

“At first, I thought I was posted to another town, but after checking a map, I found out that Moniya is part of Ibadan North Local Government Area. I think JAMB should make it clearer during registration," she said.

Similarly, Chukwuemeka Okoye, a parent from Enugu, expressed his satisfaction with JAMB's response. "It shows maturity and seriousness. The fact that they are ready to reward genuine complaints means they are confident about their process."

However, not all feedback has been positive. Some candidates insist that their centres are not easily accessible or located in remote parts of towns, which they argue still constitutes a hardship, even if technically within the town.

JAMB’s Advice to Candidates

In light of these issues, JAMB advised candidates to be more thorough during registration and to understand the geographical boundaries of their selected towns. They encouraged candidates to:

Check maps or use GPS to understand the locations within the towns they select.

Avoid relying solely on hearsay or social media rumors.

Use the official JAMB portal or visit the nearest JAMB office to verify any concerns about their posting.

Dr. Benjamin also reminded candidates that the UTME is a national examination, and that flexibility and preparedness for slight inconveniences are part of the process.

Broader Context: JAMB’s 2025 Innovations

This year, JAMB introduced several innovations aimed at improving the conduct of the UTME, including:

Biometric Verification: All candidates must undergo biometric verification at examination centres to curb impersonation.

Mock UTME Expansion: More candidates opted for the mock UTME this year than ever before, leading to enhanced preparedness.

Enhanced Server Capacity: JAMB upgraded its server systems to handle a greater volume of simultaneous logins during examination periods.

These changes are part of an overall drive to increase the credibility and efficiency of Nigeria’s tertiary entrance examination process.

Conclusion

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s firm denial of the allegations, coupled with the bold step of offering a cash reward for verified complaints, signals a new era of transparency and candidate engagement. While minor misunderstandings may occur due to geographical confusion, JAMB’s position remains that no candidate was assigned outside their chosen towns.

As UTME 2025 progresses, it is expected that both candidates and parents will continue to scrutinize the process, and rightly so. However, JAMB’s proactive measures to address concerns as they arise underscore its commitment to building a more credible, accountable, and student-friendly examination environment.

Candidates are advised to stay informed through official channels and avoid being misled by misinformation. After all, a smooth examination experience begins with accurate information and a good understanding of the processes involved.