- In view of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has published specific measures for the qualification of Computer-Based Test(CBT) centres.
- As a condition of consideration, all prospective and currently operating CBT centres are required to perform an Autobot/Autotest and Autoreview Testing System between November 25 and December 1, 2024. During this stage, other centres will be disqualified from additional phases of the accreditation process if they do not meet the required standards.
- JAMB reported saying each photograph taken will remain with the candidates, the Autobot/Autotest however has to be cleared before the Physical Inspection set for December 2024.
- Centres that are new/developmental are required to go through their state coordinators to apply formally while the existing ones have to go to the Centre Management System (CMS) portal to register interest in the accreditation process.
- This shift highlights a sustained resolve by JAMB to safeguard quality and fairness of the examination and therefore makes it possible to any accredited centre prepares well for a smooth 2025 UTME processes.
Welcome to StudentPortals.com.ng, I’m Prudent Joshua, and I want to share what I have learned about the latest updates from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) regarding their preparations for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Whether you’re new to the process or already own a CBT centre, this information will help you understand the steps you need to take to ensure your centre gets accredited.
JAMB recently announced its plans for accrediting Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres, and they’ve outlined clear guidelines for all centres, old and new.
This is a critical step as JAMB ensures that students have access to reliable centres where they can take their UTME exams in a safe and efficient environment.
Why CBT Centres Need Accreditation
JAMB uses CBT centres to conduct their UTME exams, and these centres must meet specific requirements to ensure they are ready to handle the task.
Without proper accreditation, a centre cannot register candidates or conduct the exams. Accreditation helps JAMB ensure that:
- The centres have the right equipment and technology.
- The environment is secure for candidates.
- There’s minimal risk of exam malpractice.
Key Dates for the 2025 Accreditation Exercise
According to JAMB’s latest bulletin, the process for accrediting CBT centres for UTME 2025 has already begun. Here are important dates to keep in mind:
- Monday, November 25 to Sunday, December 1, 2024: Centres must conduct the Autobot/Autotest within this period.
- December 2024: After the Autobot/Autotest, eligible centres will be notified about the physical accreditation exercise.
JAMB has made it clear that no centre will be considered after the deadline for the Autobot/Autotest.
What Is the Autobot/Autotest?
The Autobot/Autotest is an automated test that JAMB uses to check if a CBT centre meets its technical and operational standards.
This test is mandatory for all centres, whether they are new or previously registered. Only centres that pass the test will qualify for the next step—physical accreditation.
If a centre fails the Autobot/Autotest, JAMB will not revisit it, meaning the centre will not be allowed to participate in the UTME 2025 process.
Steps for New CBT Centres
If you’re planning to set up a new CBT centre and get accredited, here’s what you need to do:
- Notify JAMB: Write to JAMB, informing them of your readiness to participate in the accreditation exercise for UTME 2025.
- Submit an Application: Send a formal application addressed to Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the registrar of JAMB. Submit this through the zonal director or state coordinator in your state.
- Create an Account on the CMS Portal: Once your application is approved, JAMB will create an account for you on their Centre Management System (CMS) portal. This portal is where you’ll register for the Autobot/Autotest and manage other accreditation-related tasks.
Steps for Existing CBT Centres
If your centre is already registered, you’re not left out. Here’s what you need to do:
- Log In to the CMS Portal: Visit the portal and register to formally express your interest in the accreditation exercise.
- Prepare for the Autobot/Autotest: Make sure your centre is ready to meet all the technical requirements.
JAMB's Expectations for CBT Centres
JAMB has a set of requirements that all CBT centres must meet. These include:
- Adequate Computer Systems: Each centre must have enough functional computers for the candidates, with backups in case of issues.
- Stable Power Supply: A reliable power source is crucial to avoid disruptions during the exams. Most centres use generators as backups.
- High-Speed Internet: This is necessary for uploading and accessing exam data quickly.
- Secure Environment: The centre must have proper security measures to prevent exam malpractice and ensure the safety of candidates.
- Comfortable Seating and Environment: Candidates should feel comfortable while taking their exams. Proper lighting and ventilation are essential.
Why These Guidelines Matter
These guidelines aren’t just rules—they are meant to ensure that candidates have the best experience possible during their exams. As someone who has closely followed updates from JAMB, I understand how much effort goes into making the UTME process fair and reliable for everyone.
For students, having well-accredited CBT centres means they can focus on their exams without worrying about technical glitches or other distractions.
For centre owners, meeting JAMB’s requirements helps build trust with both the board and the candidates.
What Happens After Accreditation?
Once a CBT centre passes the Autobot/Autotest and the physical accreditation exercise, it will be listed by JAMB as an approved centre. This means the centre can register candidates for UTME 2025 and conduct the exams.
However, centres must continue to maintain the standards set by JAMB. Any centre found violating the guidelines could lose its accreditation.
JAMB’s Role in Regulating Admissions
Aside from accrediting CBT centres, JAMB plays a big role in ensuring fairness in Nigeria’s admission process. According to JAMB, they don’t control admissions directly; they only regulate the process to make sure it is transparent and fair.
This means institutions still have the final say on which candidates they admit, but JAMB ensures that the process follows proper guidelines.
Why This Matters to Me
As someone who’s been following updates about JAMB and education in Nigeria, I’ve seen how much effort JAMB puts into making the UTME process better every year.
These guidelines for CBT centre accreditation are another step in the right direction. They show JAMB’s commitment to providing a fair and smooth experience for candidates and maintaining high standards across the board.
Conclusion
If you’re running a CBT centre or planning to start one, now is the time to act. Familiarize yourself with JAMB’s guidelines, complete the Autobot/Autotest on time, and make sure your centre meets all the requirements.
For students and parents, understanding this process can give you confidence in the system. JAMB is working hard to ensure that every candidate gets a fair chance to succeed.
As we prepare for UTME 2025, let’s all do our part to make this process as smooth and efficient as possible. With everyone’s cooperation, we can continue to improve education in Nigeria and give our young people the opportunities they deserve.
If you have any questions or need help with the process, feel free to reach out. Together, we can make UTME 2025 a success!
