Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination: Meaning, History, Reforms, Results, Cut-off Mark, Registration Details, Importance, Overview, FAQs

The UTME has remained an important feature of the education system in Nigeria, being the point of attraction for students who wish to get into universities, polytechnics or colleges of education. 

From 1978 when it was established under the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to the present, the UTME has enabled a centralization of the admission process which has made it easy and free from any forms of malpractices.

 With millions of candidates applying for this examination each year, it has become a significant milestone towards achieving the academic and professional aspirations of the young people in Nigeria. 

This piece therefore focuses on the UTME which will include its history, and the way it has influenced higher education in Nigeria.  

What is Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination?  

The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), is a computer-based test (CBT) which is carried out each year by JAMB. This test is meant to assess the knowledge and skills of students who intend to seek further education at tertiary institutions in Nigeria.  

The subjects you choose to write during the UTME solely depend on the course you intend to pursue. For example if one hopes to take up Medicine, it is important that such a candidate writes: Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English Language.

 A student who wants to pursue Law would be expected to have written Literature, Government, CRS/IRS, and English. It is imperative to note that English Language is a necessity in all candidate’s papers.  

Why is Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination  Important?  

UTME in Nigeria is a very important examination because it acts as the stepping stone into higher institutions. 

Bad or poor performance in the UTME examination means the candidate will find it very challenging to have chances to be accepted in most institutions.

The standardized examination is: helpful for stability as all candidates undertake the same exam.  

Overview of Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination 

Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), is a computer-based examination which is been conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) of Nigeria, in its role as the awarding body for the government – Nigeria. 

This examination is often taken by school leavers in preparing to seek enrollment into undergraduate courses across higher institutions in Nigeria. 

This problem- solving and critical thinking and scientific understanding based examination is held once in a year. In the year 2015 alone, there were about 1.48 million candidates that registered for UTME.

Holding the examination within a period of 2 hours, and the scoring is awarded a Mark between 0 – 400 as its highest score.

JAMB subject combinations

JAMB subject combinations or requirements are subject combinations required of a candidate intending to sit for her UTME and is now at the registration as a center. 

Each course of study has a particular combination of subjects associated with it and students must ensure they have the right combination in order to gain admission to study any course of their liking.

• Medicine and Surgery: Physic, Chemistry, Biology and Use of English.

• Engineering: Mathematics Algebra, Integration, Physics, Chemistry, Statistics and Use of English.

• Law: Use of English and Literature in English and Government or History and one other Art or Social Science Subject.

• Economics: Mathematics and Economics and one other social science Subject such as Government or Geography.

• Psychology: Use of English, Biology, Mathematics, and any other subject like Economics, Government etc.

• Civil Engineering: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Use of English.

• Computer science: Mathematics, Physics and any other Science subject like Biology or Chemistry.

• Pharmacology: Use of English, Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

• Political Science: Use of English, Government, Mathematics and Economics.

The Origins and Progression of UTME: A Brief Background 

A very strategic examination in Nigeria’s education framework system is the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). UTME's primary goal is to increase students' admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across Nigeria. It was introduced in 1978. 

Over the years, UTME has continued to gain significance, becoming one of the institutions responsible for overseeing the conduct of standardised tests for admission into higher learning institutions. 

The evolution of UTME is impressive and reflects how Nigeria has advanced its higher education system as well as admission processes.  

The relevance of UTME cannot be overstated in Nigeria’s education sector; in 2023, over 1.8 million candidates registered for it. Additionally, engaging enhancing technology has always been a core focus of the board in ensuring its activities are as efficient as possible, to reduce malpractice and enhance the admissions process.  

Read: Digital Marketing Classes Online 2025/2026

 The Inception of UTME: Responding To Educational Inequality  

Growing concerns dominated the environment in Nigeria pertaining to the disparity in admission procedures employed by Nigerian higher institutions; as a result, UTME was introduced.

 Before its formation, universities independently conducted their entrance examinations, leading to discrepancies in admission standards and an uncoordinated system. This was a limitation to students- especially rural students as it created chaos in the education system.

The Nigerian Federation, under General Olusegun Obasanjo, was of the opinion that the selection of candidates should be carried out in a fair and transparent manner through the establishment of a centralized body for that purpose. Thus, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was established through Decree No. 2 of 1978. 

Its function was to supervise the organization of entrance examinations and manage the admission of students into colleges and specialized educational institutions.  

 UTME Examinations History: From Manual to Computer Adaptive Testing  

When it was introduced, UTME relied on paper-based examinations that were taken at approved centres located throughout Nigeria. 

This contributed to considerable difficulties that were encountered such as logistical problems, examination misconduct and even the slow speed of getting examination results back to the candidates. 

The rising trend in the number of candidates every year also placed demands on the system, necessitating change of some sort.  

In 2015, UTME moved to a Computer Based Test (CBT) system, and this was to mark a watershed in its history. The CBT model was intended to address examination malpractice, reduce human error and speed up processes of results collation and distribution. 

The migration to the CBT also enabled the seamless management of millions of candidates and aided in the modernization of the educational setups in Nigeria.  

Fundamental Reforms and Policy Modifications  

Over the years, various onsite reforms have been undertaken by the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination that has been geared towards improving the admissions. Some of the pronounced changes include:  

• Central Admission Fprocessing System (CAPS), First launched in 2017, computerization of the admission process via CAPS ensures that only qualified UTME and individual school students are admitted to the institutions. This has improved the transparency of the process and reduced the incidence of irregularities in the admissions.  

• Incorporation of Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Utme): In 2006, JAMB centralised all the entrance examinations of different institutions in one – the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. This common policy eases the follow-up of students who were compelled to seat for more than one entrance and improved the equity of the entire selection procedure.  

• Cut-Off Marks and Flexibility: It has been noted that for several years, UTME has worked closely with various tertiary institutions to develop a minimal cut-off point for admission of UTME candidates or aspirants to the institutional. Though an issue that has been the subject of much wrangle, the intention is to maintain a threshold that will not be statistically apathetic, yet one that will allow for reasonable chances depending on performance.  

Application of Technology in Modern UTME  

Technology has always been and continues to be a vital factor in improving the functioning of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

 From the introduction of computer based test system (CBT) to promotional advantages of the efficiency of CAPS system Furthermore, the system enhances security.

UTME 2024: Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB registrar has announced the release of the 2024 Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Monday, April 29. 

Here’s a breakdown of how candidates performed at the just concluded examination 2024.

Who Can Write Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination?  

To write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), you must be a secondary school leaver or a prospective undergraduate student.

Now To write the UTME, you need to meet certain requirements:  

1. Age: By the time you are admitted into a tertiary institution, you must be above 16 years of age.  

2. O’Level Results: You require WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. It is mandatory to have at least five credits including English and Mathematics, plus subjects related to the course of your choice.  

3. Discreet Profile: There is a need to create a JAMB profile. It is necessary since all your information regarding bio data, registration as well as results will be stored.  

How to Register for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination   

Step-by-Step Guide to Register for JAMB UTME (Made Simple)

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is an important exam for students in Nigeria who want to go to university, polytechnic, or college of education. 

To write this exam, you need to register first. Below is a simple guide to help you register for the JAMB UTME without stress.

Documents You Need for JAMB Registration

Before you start, make sure you have the following documents ready:

1. Birth Certificate

2. NIN (National Identification Number)

3. School ID Card

4. Passport Photographs: Take 10–15 recent photos with a white background.

5. O’Level Result(s): Examples are WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB.

6. JAMB e-PIN: Buy this from any authorized bank or vendor and keep the receipt.

7. Proof of State/LGA of Origin

8. Consent Form (if you’re under 18 years old). This must be signed by your parent or guardian.

Some centers may ask for extra documents like a letter of sponsorship or a disability certificate, depending on your situation.

Step 1: Create Your JAMB Profile

1. Use your phone to send an SMS to 55019 or 66019 with your NIN.

- Type NIN, leave a space, then enter your 11-digit NIN number.
- Example: NIN 12345678910 and send to 55019 or 66019.

2. You will receive a confirmation message showing your name and profile code.

3. The phone number you used will now be linked to your JAMB profile.

Step 2: Buy Your JAMB e-PIN

1. Send an SMS to 55019 or 66019 to get your 10-digit profile code.

- You will receive details like your registered name and the total cost for registration (with or without Mock).

2. Take the profile code to a bank, microfinance bank, or any JAMB-approved vendor to buy your e-PIN.
- After payment, the e-PIN will be sent to your phone.

3. Once you have your e-PIN, go to any JAMB-accredited CBT center to start your registration.

Step 3: Register at the CBT Center

1. Go to an accredited CBT center with your e-PIN, profile code, personal information, and O’Level results.

2. Provide all the required details, such as your full name, date of birth, and address.

3. Upload your recent passport photo.

4. Choose your preferred exam town or state.

5. Check all the details you provided to ensure there are no mistakes.

6. Submit your registration and collect your registration slip, which contains your exam details.

Step 4: Complete Your Registration Online.

1. Visit the official JAMB website at www.jamb.gov.ng.

2. Log in using your profile code and e-PIN.

3. Complete the online form by filling in all required information, including:
- Your bio data (name, date of birth, gender, etc.).
- Your choice of institution and course.

4. Upload your O’Level results and biometric data.

5. Print your registration slip for record purposes.

Finally

After registering, get the JAMB syllabus and brochure to guide your preparation. Read past questions to understand the exam format. Keep all your registration documents safe until the exam day.

Unified tertiary Matriculation Examination Results

Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results are the official scores released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) after candidates sit for the UTME. 

These results show a candidate’s performance in the examination and are used to determine eligibility for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, such as universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

How to Check Your Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination Results

Online via the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination Portal

1. Visit the eFacility Portal: Go to the official UTME eFacility Portal and log in with your registration details.
2. Click ‘Print Result Slip’: Select this option from the list of available services.
3. Complete Payment: Make a payment of N2,000 online to access your original Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination result slip.
4. Access and Print Your Result: Once payment is successful, choose your exam year and input your UTME registration number to print your result slip. This slip will include your photograph.

Via SMS

Checking your UTME result via SMS is quick and easy. Here’s how to do it:

1. Send “UTME RESULT” or “UTMERESULT” to 55019 or 66019 using the phone number you registered with.

2. Ensure your phone has at least N50 airtime to cover the SMS cost.

3. You will receive a message based on your specific situation:

- Unregistered Phone Number: If the phone number was not used for registration, you will receive, “This phone number was not used for registration.”

- Results Available: A message like “Dear Mr/Miss Prudent, your Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination result is as follows…” will be sent.

- Results Withheld: If applicable, you’ll get a notification saying “Result Withheld.”

- Clarification Needed: Some candidates will see, “Result withheld pending the upload of clarifications/document required from you.”

- Candidate Absent: This message will notify candidates who missed their exams.
- Registration Number Cancelled: If your registration number was cancelled, the message will inform you.

- Unauthorised Access: A message such as “Invalid Entrance into the Exam Hall” will be sent to those who gained unauthorised access.

By following these steps, you can easily check your Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results without any issue. 

Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination Cut-off Mark

Unified tertiary matriculation examination (UTME) cut-off mark is the minimum score required by candidates in the UTME to qualify for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. 

 However, candidates have to pass the general cut-off mark set by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board first before any of the institutions can impose its cut-off marks based on the program/course.

 

For example, JAMB may declare the general cut of 140 but however other universities may offer medicine or engineering and seek a cut-off of around 200. 

For 2025/2026 session, the cut-off mark for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is 140 for universities and 100 for polytechnics.

Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) Registration Details

In order to register for the UTME, candidates must adhere to the below steps and provide the information required:

Required Documents for Registration: (Registration Details)

1. National Identification Number (NIN): Candidates must present their NIN as it is compulsory for the registration.

2. Personal Email Address: It is compulsory for a candidate to have an email address in order to create a JAMB profile and to get JAMB updates.

3. Phone Number: For the purpose of sending and receiving registration codes and notifications, it is mandatory to provide a usable phone number that is unique.

4. O’Level: Candidates are required to provide WAEC, NECO, NABTEB or equivalent results (can be uploaded later for awaiting results).

5. Passport Photograph: Candidates are required to provide passports that are recently taken and have white backgrounds.

6. Birth Certificate: A birth certificate or document of age declaration is important in capturing the biodata accurately.

7. Certificate of local/state origin: This is meant to verify the local government and state of origin of the candidate.

8. JAMB e-PIN: The e-PIN is bought from authorized banks or vendors in order to proceed with the registration.

Registration Steps:

Create a JAMB Profile, Send your NIN as a text message to 55019 or 66019 (e.g. NIN 12345678901). 

A unique code will be sent to the mobile phone of the candidate as a SMS.

Purchase JAMB e-PIN: 

• Go to any accredited bank or vendor.
• To buy the Jamb e-Pin, present the Profile code. 

Visit an Accredited CBT Centre:

• Take your e-PIN, NIN, and all required documents to a JAMB-accredited CBT center.
• Complete your registration, including the input of personal information, selection of preferred institutions, and choice of examination centers.
• Your biometric data and passport photograph will also be captured.

Receive Registration Slip:

• After registration, collect your UTME registration slip, which contains your examination date, time, and venue.

Registration Fees:

UTME registration costs approximately ₦4,700, including the cost of the e-PIN and an additional ₦500 for the JAMB syllabus.

How to Prepare For UTME 

Nothing outruns preparation at any examination, the UTME neither is an exemption to this statement. Here are some few techniques to aid in preparation. 

1. Study Patterns Inside The Syllabus: 

Jamb provides a syllabus for all subjects. With the adoption of the syllabus, one is able to see the headings that will be covered. Follow it with strictness. 

2. Sample Previous Jamb Questions: 

Having revisited past papers is very important as they allow one to have a feel of some of the questions that would be given by JAMB. Indeed, do as many past questions as possible. 

3. Self-Study Difficult Frames: 

Self-study can be a bit advanced for some folks so participating in lecture sessions can be an option. Many such centres, which exist for this purpose within the country. 

4. Emphasize on Regular Study: 

Have a clear study plan, and put it to practice. Create a study timetable and stick to it. Consistent study is more effective than cramming a few days before the exam.  

5. Practice with CBT Software:

   As UTME is a computerised examination, getting used to the test format by practicing with CBT software will be of assistance.  

6. Stay Informed:

 Stay connected to JAMB and follow all its announcements. This way, you will be able to know when the registration for the exam starts, when it’s time to go for a slip reprint and so on.  

Common Mistakes to Avoid During UTME  

Quite a significant number of students miscalculate and these are some of the areas that reduce their scores. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:  

1. Arriving Late: 

   Make it a point to reach the exam hall at least an hour prior to the scheduled exam time. This will provide enough time to acclimatize and avoid undue pressure.  

2. Using the Wrong Subject Combination:  

   Choosing the right subjects for courses is very important. Wrong combinations can lead to disqualification.  

3. Not Reading Instructions:

   Before you answer any questions on the question paper, take the time to read the directions given. This will ensure that you know what is required of you.  

4. Rushing Through the Exam:  

   Don’t be too hasty. Don’t take more time than needed to respond to any one question for whatever reason. If you have a blank for an answer, put it off for the time being.  

5. Guessing Carelessly: 

   If there is a need to guess, at least try to make it an educated guess. Avoid guessing answers as a matter of routine.  

What Happens After UTME?   

There will be an announcement of JAMB exam results after a couple of days from the date of the exam. You can check online or log into your JAMB profile or use the JAMB result-checking portal. 

 

However, if your score is up to and above the Cutoff mark of your individual chosen institution and course, you are likely to be subject to Post-UTME screening or invitation for the admission screening. 

Otherwise, one should be able to change their course or institution to the one which has a lower cutoff mark. 

 

FAQs About UTME  

1. What is the cutoff mark for UTME?  

   The cutoff mark is course and institution specific. Nevertheless, JAMB usually announces a general minimal level cut off score.   

 

2. Can I register for UTME without a NIN?  

   No, JAMB does not permit this for any candidate in the examination. 

   

3. How many times can I write UTME?

   You can write UTME any number of times as there are no restrictions as long as requirements are met. 

4. What will happen if I miss my exam?

   In the event this happens, such a candidate will not be allowed to sit for any exam that calendar year. If the candidate wants to be tested, he or she must book the examination for the following year.  

   

5. After registering, am I allowed to change my course or the Institution?  

   Yes, change after registration is allowed by JAMB, but a fee has to be met.

Conclusion  

The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is an important step in your academic journey. With proper preparation and determination, you can achieve your desired score and secure admission into your dream institution. Remember, success doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort, you can make it.  

For many decades, the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination has been one of the key components of the Nigerian education system and withstood the test of challenges and mostly has come out to be a better option for students with modern educational needs.

 Starting from the very basic to Computerized Brown Test and all the reforms that followed, it is evident that UTME seeks to provide a fair, smooth, transparent and above all an excellent admission process. 

If you have any questions or need more guidance, feel free to ask in the comments. Good luck with your UTME!