JAMB Records Highest Ever UTME Registration With Over 2 Million Candidates

Historic Increase in Applications as 2024 UTME Set to Begin on April 25

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has recorded its highest-ever number of candidates for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), with a total of 2,030,627 applicants. This marks a significant increase from last year’s figure of over 1.9 million, setting a new milestone in the history of the examination.

The UTME, which serves as the gateway to higher education in Nigeria, is scheduled to commence on April 25 and will be conducted across more than 700 computer-based test (CBT) centers nationwide.

El-Rufai’s Visit To Aregbesola, Bakare Sparks 2027 Election Speculations

Over 41,000 Candidates Below 16 Years Registered

According to JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, a total of 41,026 candidates who applied for the examination are below the age of 16. While JAMB has traditionally set 16 as the minimum entry age for admission into tertiary institutions, the increasing number of younger applicants reflects the growing trend of early academic completion among Nigerian students.

Over 200,000 Candidates to Sit for Mock UTME on April 5

To help candidates familiarize themselves with the CBT system, JAMB has scheduled an optional mock examination for April 5, with over 200,115 candidates expected to participate. The mock exam is designed to give students practical experience before the actual UTME, ensuring they are well-prepared for the digital testing format.

Foreign Candidates Not Included in Registration Figures

Dr. Benjamin clarified that the registration numbers released do not include foreign candidates who will be writing the UTME outside Nigeria.

“This is the highest we have registered in the history of the examination. These numbers do not include that of foreign students who will write the examination outside the country,” he stated.

Additionally, he confirmed that direct entry (DE) registration for candidates seeking admission through alternative qualifications would commence soon.

Implications of the Surge in UTME Applications

The sharp increase in UTME registrations underscores the growing demand for tertiary education in Nigeria. It also raises concerns about available slots in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, as institutions may struggle to accommodate the rising number of applicants.

With the 2024 UTME approaching, JAMB is expected to intensify efforts to ensure a smooth and transparent examination process, as well as maintain strict measures against malpractice.

As students finalize their preparations, the record-breaking number of applicants further highlights the crucial role of JAMB in shaping the future of Nigeria’s education system.