Over 380,000 candidates sat for the rescheduled 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across Lagos and the South East on Friday, with many expressing satisfaction over what they described as a much-improved exercise compared to the initial exam.
In Lagos, about 206,610 candidates took the exam across 65 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, while 173,387 candidates sat for the test in 93 centres across the South East.
Candidates in both regions reported early arrivals at their centres, with accreditation for the first batch of the day typically starting between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.
At a centre in Ayobo, Lagos, 218 candidates were present for the morning session, while 32 were absent.
In Imo State, the exam was conducted in four batches across the state’s three senatorial districts—Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri—with the first session commencing at 6 a.m. and the last ending around 4 p.m.
At Mater Ecclesiae Seminary in Aboh Mbaise, candidates began promptly.
However, some centres experienced technical issues, including system crashes, frozen screens, and malfunctioning input devices such as keyboards and mice.
A candidate at Galaxy ICT and Educational Services in Mbaitolu Local Government lamented having only 20 minutes left to complete the Mathematics paper due to delays caused by system glitches.
Despite this, JAMB officials worked swiftly to address problems and ensure continuity.
In Anambra State, candidates appeared more confident this time around.
Many said they were hopeful of better outcomes following an apology from the JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, over the lapses that marred the initial exam.
At the IDK and Grafile centres in Awka, the exercise ran smoothly. Security personnel were also on ground to maintain order.
A parent, Mrs. Esther Ugochukwu, blamed the federal government for failing to adequately fund education and technology infrastructure, arguing that the exam mishap was a national embarrassment.
She called for urgent recruitment of technical personnel and increased investment in the education sector, stressing that the issue went beyond JAMB’s leadership alone.
Candidates in Abia State also gave high praise to the rescheduled exam.
“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,” Chioma Marvelous Nnamdi, one of the candidates who sat for the examination at a centre in Umudike, said.
She also appreciated JAMB for correcting the errors that marred the previous examination.
“There were many complaints about inconsistent and confusing answer options last time. I thank God and JAMB for acknowledging the issues and making efforts to fix them.”
Another candidate, Chinonso Ezekiel, said faulty systems were quickly replaced, and the exam questions were clearer and more manageable.
“This time, things were more organised. Faulty computers were replaced promptly, and the questions were more straightforward than before,” he said.
A staff member at the Michael Okpara University E-Test Centre explained that while the earlier failures were outside their control, the centre took extra steps to ensure a smooth experience this time.
Reports from Enugu mirrored these sentiments, with candidates and officials confirming a peaceful and well-organised examination environment across the state.
