Updates on 2017 JAMB Examination

For some years now, the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), has been a prerequisite to gaining admission into any tertiary institution in Nigeria. Consequently, students seeking admission in any tertiary institution don't take this examination lightly, as failure to pass it jeopardizes their chances of gaining admission.

The Exam is usually conducted in March or April every year but has taken a U-turn in 2017. This really kept so many worried until a date for the examination was announced. 

Having a keen knowledge of the fact that proper preparation prevents poor performance; so many persons have started preparing for this examination. While many are gearing up to complete registration and prepare academically for the examinations, here are some germane updates they must keep in mind:

1. Sales of form/Registration
The sales of form/registration for the 2017 UTME began on Monday, 20th March, 2017. Whereas the sales of form end April 19, 2017, the registration on JAMB's portal ends April 22, 2017. This means that candidates have one month to complete their registration processes.

2. Creation of JAMB profile  
Before any candidate can register for the 2017 UTME, he/she must have created his/her JAMB profile. In other words, any candidate who does not have a JAMB profile cannot register for the examination. 

Please follow the steps below to create your JAMB profile if you have not created yours:

• Visit JAMB official website Here.
• Close to the 'post registration facility', you will see a 'login' button.
• Click on login.
• A new page will open.
• Click on the 'create new account' button.
• You will be required to verify your email.

• Choose a security question from the drop down. e.g. what is your pet name?
• In the last two spaces, enter the answer. If your pet name is Tammy, write it in the last two space and click on verify.
• You will see a dialog box requiring you to verify your email, just like the screenshot below.  

• Log into your email and confirm it. If you didn't find the mail under updates, check your spam folder and if you still can't find it, just chill. Sometimes it takes time to come.
• Click on the link JAMB will send to you to continue the registration.

• After that, you will be required to fill in the following details as stated on the screenshot below.

• If you don't have an email, you can quickly create one Here  before you continue.
• If you already have an email, after filling in the details on the screenshot above, create the account.
• After creating your profile account, login to your profile. 

• Begin to observe the profile.
• Done.

Note: please use a very good phone to create your profile if you must use a mobile phone, otherwise, use a computer system and don't make use of opera mini browser. You can use chrome browser, firefox or your phone's default browser.

3. 1.7 million candidates are expected

Let me just take you back to history. In 2016, 1,561,443 candidates sat for the UTME, and according to the registrar of JAMB, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, about 200,000 more people are expected this year. He gave the figure while speaking with students and other bodies. 

Therefore, endeavour to begin registration as early as possible to get a good centre and avoid been caught in last minute rush.

4. Mock UTME to be conducted

Wow! This is absolutely new and will really help those who are taking the exam for the first time as it will make them have a feel of what it is like, before the pressure of the exam itself. Remember, experience is the best teacher. The first ever JAMB mock examination will be conducted this year. For now a new date for the examination has not been fixed but you are expected to start your preparation early in order to have an amazing performance in both the mock and the main examination.

This exercise will cost #700 but don't pay for it until JAMB assigns you to a CBT center.

However, it is important to note that this exam is totally optional, so if you are not interested in taking part in the examination you can relax at home and prepare for the main exam on the day of the mock examination.

5. CBT Centres

Since the number of expected candidates for the examination has increased, there are also plans to increase the number of Computer Based Testing (CBT) Centres in order to make the examination exercise (that will last for a week) far better. See the approved list of CBT registration centers by clicking the links below.

Approved Centres for 2017 UTME Registration

6. Date for the Examination

The 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will commence on Saturday, May 6 and end Saturday May 20, 2017 (excluding May 12, because of candidates that will be writing Further Mathematics in WAEC examination). In other words, the exam will last for two weeks.

7. Novels for the Use of English
In addition to the already existing novel (The Last Days at Forcados High School) that is used for JAMB's Use of English, the board has introduced a new novel entitled In Dependence by Sarah Ladipo Manyika for the Use of English.

According to JAMB, direct entry candidates will be tested on the old novel, The Last Days at Forcados High School by A.H Mohammed while UTME candidates will be tested on the newly introduced novel, In Dependence by Sarah Ladipo Manyika.

READ: Comprehensive Summary of JAMB's New Novel, In Dependence by Sarah Ladipo Manyika

READ ALSO: Chapter by Chapter Summary of A.H Mohammed's The Last Days at Forcados High School

8. CCTV

Is cheating your hobby or career goal? Please discard it before going into the examination hall. JAMB has no chill this year oh! CCTV cameras will be installed in all CBT centres in order to monitor that your career goal or hobby. This means that the examination will be closely monitored.

9. Technology

Technology will display its usefulness in this year’s exam. As a prospective candidate for this year's exam, you should expect this type of hall:

·         A hall containing 250 functional desktop or laptop computer systems with extra 25 as backups.

·         These computers must be minimum 15 inch screens and must be connected to robust computer server with capacity to carry a minimum of 250 systems concurrently.

10. Validity duration of JAMB Result

Unlike previous years, the results candidates will get from this year’s exam will be valid for three (3) years. Sweet! I really love this! Remember, in previous years it was one year validity period.

The extended validity period was passed into law by the Nigerian Senate on Thursday, October 13, 2016.

However, if you don't meet the required cut off mark (180), you have to resit for the exam in the following year.

11. Registration Fee
Candidates are to spend a total sum of #6200 for the 2017 UTME. Below is a breakdown of this amount:

The form for the 2017 UTME or direct entry goes on sale for the sum of five thousand naira (#5000) only. Candidates are also, as usual, pay the sum of five hundred naira (#500) only obtain the reading text- In Dependence for UTME candidates and The Last Days at Forcados High School for Direct Entry candidates. Also, candidates are to pay the sum of seven hundred naira (#700) for their registration process in any CBT registration. 

Please report any CBT registration centre that charges more than #700 for the registration process, to JAMB.

12. Harmonization of timetables of different examination bodies

Finally, the organizers of the major examinations in Nigeria (NECO, WAEC and NABTEB) including JAMB met at the national headquarters of the Board in Abuja on Tuesday, January 24, to avoid a clash in schedules and in order to have a harmonized timetable. After the meeting, an agreement was reached to harmonize the timetable.

Important Notice

1. Candidates should note that e-PINS being purchased are tied to individual profile and are not transferable.

2. Candidates are advised to keep as confidential their security details such as registration numbers, password/numbers of ATM Cards, e-mail addresses and

e-pins.

You can as well as have a copy of all you need to know about 2017 UTME Here