The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has remained one of the most defining steps for millions of students seeking admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Conducted yearly by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the examination has evolved significantly over the decades, transitioning from a paper-and-pencil test to a computer-based test (CBT).
What Led to the Formation of JAMB?
Before the formation of JAMB in 1978, the few universities and higher institutions in Nigeria conducted their own admission processes independently. This led to a lack of coordination, waste of resources, and difficulty in maintaining fairness and standardization. As a result, JAMB was established in 1978, and its first examination, known as the University Matriculation Examination (UME), was conducted that same year.
From UME to UTME: Unifying Nigerian Institutions
The UME initially catered only to university admissions. In 2010, it was merged with the Monotechnics, Polytechnics, and Colleges of Education Examination (MPCE), forming the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This merger allowed a single exam to enable students to gain admission into any higher institution. The last UME was conducted on April 4, 2009.
How UTME Evolved from PPT to CBT
UTME started as a paper-and-pencil test (PPT), where candidates used paper and pencil to answer questions. In 2013, then-JAMB registrar Dibu Ojerinde introduced a computer-based test to curb malpractice. According to The Cable, Ojerinde stated in 2015: “We discovered that exam malpractice in computer-based tests is so negligible that we don’t have to bother about it. We have been practising it. We started in 2013, and in 2014, we practised with about 617 candidates, and we have decided to go into it full-blown because that is the answer to examination malpractice.” In 2015, CBT was fully integrated as the means of conducting UTME across various centers in Nigeria.
CBT in UTME and Its Challenges
The introduction of CBT marked a major turning point. Candidates now take exams on computers at accredited centers nationwide. However, the transition faced challenges, including technical glitches, poor internet connectivity, and limited computer literacy among candidates, especially in rural areas. Some candidates also struggled to adjust to the new format. Over time, JAMB addressed these issues by improving infrastructure, accrediting more CBT centers, and introducing mock examinations to help candidates familiarize themselves with the system. In 2025, however, over 300,000 candidates had their exams rescheduled due to what JAMB called “sabotage,” following complaints about results.
For millions of candidates each year, UTME remains not just an exam but a crucial step toward achieving their academic and career goals.
