Over 380,000 candidates participated in the rescheduled 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across Lagos State and the South East region on Friday, May 16, 2025. The exam was a make-up for the candidates affected by technical issues and irregularities during the initial round. According to reports, many candidates expressed satisfaction with the improved conduct and smoothness of the re-administered UTME.
In Lagos, approximately 206,610 candidates sat for the exam across 65 Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. Meanwhile, in the South East region—which includes Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi States—about 173,387 candidates participated in the rescheduled exam across 93 centres.
Candidates reported early arrival and proper coordination at most centres. Accreditation for the first batch generally started between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. At the CBT centre located in Ayobo, Lagos, a total of 218 candidates were present during the morning session, while 32 were absent.
In Imo State, the exercise was split into four batches across the three senatorial districts—Orlu, Okigwe, and Owerri. The first session began as early as 6:00 a.m., and the last session concluded around 4:00 p.m. At the Mater Ecclesiae Seminary centre in Aboh Mbaise, candidates commenced the examination promptly.
Despite the overall success, some centres faced technical issues. These included 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 Area complained of having only 20 minutes left to complete the Mathematics paper due to initial delays caused by system errors.
Nevertheless, JAMB officials responded quickly to ensure continuity and minimal disruption. In Anambra State, many candidates noted a noticeable improvement in the exam structure. They also stated they were more confident of scoring better due to the simplified and clearer nature of the questions.
At centres such as IDK and Grafile in Awka, the exams were conducted smoothly with security personnel maintaining order. A parent, Mrs. Esther Ugochukwu, expressed concern over the systemic failures in education infrastructure and blamed the federal government for not investing enough in technological support. She stressed the need for increased funding, recruitment of technical staff, and a comprehensive overhaul of the educational system.
In Abia State, candidate Chioma Marvelous Nnamdi shared her appreciation for JAMB’s efforts in addressing the previous issues. “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 said.
She also thanked JAMB for acknowledging their errors and taking steps to rectify them. “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, also commended the prompt replacement of faulty computers and the improved clarity of the exam content. “This time, things were more organised. Faulty computers were replaced promptly, and the questions were more straightforward than before,” he stated.
At Michael Okpara University E-Test Centre, a staff member said that although the failures experienced during the initial exams were beyond their control, the centre made extra efforts to ensure candidates had a positive experience during the resit.
In Enugu State, similar feedback was received, with both candidates and officials reporting that the rescheduled examination was peaceful, timely, and well-organised thr
oughout the region.