2025 UTME Resit: Candidates Hail Smoother Experience as Over 380,000 Sit for Exam in Lagos, South East

More than 380,000 candidates across Lagos and the South East participated in the rescheduled 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Friday, with many describing the experience as a notable improvement from the initial examination.

According to figures from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), 206,610 candidates sat for the exam in Lagos across 65 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, while 173,387 candidates wrote the test in 93 centres throughout the South East.

From early Friday morning, candidates arrived at various CBT centres, with accreditation for the first batch typically beginning between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. In Lagos, at a centre in Ayobo, 218 candidates were present for the morning session while 32 were absent.

In Imo State, the examination was conducted across the three senatorial districts—Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri—in four sessions. The first session began by 6 a.m., with the final one concluding around 4 p.m. At Mater Ecclesiae Seminary in Aboh Mbaise, candidates settled in early, and the process kicked off smoothly.

While there were isolated technical issues—ranging from frozen screens to malfunctioning keyboards—officials responded quickly. A candidate from Galaxy ICT and Educational Services, Mbaitolu LGA, lamented losing time during the Mathematics section due to a system glitch but acknowledged that technicians were on hand to fix it.

In Anambra State, there was a noticeable air of confidence among candidates. The smooth conduct at IDK and Grafile centres in Awka was commended, with security personnel present to maintain order.

Some candidates referenced the public apology made by JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, for the initial exam’s lapses as a step in the right direction. Chioma Marvelous Nnamdi, who wrote her paper at a centre in Umudike, said:

“This time, the questions were simpler and easier to answer. It was better than what we experienced during the initial exam. I hope to do well this time.”

She also praised JAMB for addressing past inconsistencies, especially with answer options.

Another candidate, Chinonso Ezekiel, appreciated the improved logistics.

“This time, things were more organised. Faulty computers were replaced promptly, and the questions were more straightforward than before,” he said.

At the Michael Okpara University E-Test Centre, staff said they had prepared intensively for the resit, citing previous failures as a lesson. In Enugu, officials and candidates alike described the process as calm, peaceful, and well-organised.

However, not everyone was satisfied. Mrs. Esther Ugochukwu, a parent in Anambra, criticised the federal government over poor investment in education and technology.

“This exam mishap was a national embarrassment. It’s not just about JAMB; the government must recruit more technical experts and fund the sector properly,” she said.

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