Eligibility Requirements for UTME 2025

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Eligibility Requirements for UTME 2025

Preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is a significant step toward securing admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. 

As you get ready for the 2025 UTME, meeting the eligibility requirements plays a key role in ensuring a smooth registration and admission process.

Meeting the right criteria boosts your chances of being considered for your desired institution and course. 

This guide provides all the essential details about age, academic qualifications, and subject combinations to help you prepare effectively for the UTME.

1. Verify Minimum Age Requirement

Checking the minimum age requirement is a critical part of UTME eligibility. 

JAMB mandates that you are to be at least 16 years old by the admission year. 

This criterion ensures that you are mature enough to handle tertiary education. 

If you are below the required age, it’s advisable to wait for the next UTME cycle. 

Verifying your age early saves you from invalid registration and disqualification during admission processing.

2. Meet Educational Qualifications

Meeting the required educational qualifications is important for UTME registration and subsequent admission. 

You need a minimum of five credits in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, in either WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB. 

These credits need to be obtained in not more than two sittings. 

If you are awaiting results, JAMB allows you to register and upload the results once they are released. 

Ensuring that your subject combinations match your intended course of study increases your chances of gaining admission into your preferred institution.

3. Register for UTME

Completing your UTME registration correctly is a vital step in the admission process. 

Start by creating a JAMB profile and obtaining your National Identification Number (NIN), as both are mandatory for registration. 

Visit an accredited JAMB registration center to fill out your form, ensuring that your personal details, preferred institution, course, and subject combinations are accurately recorded. 

Pay the prescribed registration fee and collect your e-PIN, which grants you access to complete the process. 

After registration, keep your printout safe, as it contains vital information, including your examination date and center.

4. Obtain a Valid JAMB Profile

Creating a valid JAMB profile is a key step in registering for UTME. 

Your profile serves as a personal account where JAMB stores all your information, including examination details and admission status. 

Follow these steps to create and maintain a valid JAMB profile:

  • Obtain your national identification number (NIN): Ensure that your NIN is ready, as it is a compulsory requirement for JAMB registration.
  • Send your NIN to JAMB: Use your mobile phone to send your NIN via SMS to 55019 or 66019 to receive your profile code, this code is needed for purchasing the UTME e-PIN.
  • Provide accurate personal details:
    Enter your full name, date of birth, email address, and phone number correctly during registration to avoid future issues.
  • Keep your login credentials safe: Memorize or securely store your email and password, as they are going to be required to access your JAMB portal for result checking and admission updates.

5. Provide Necessary Documents

Submitting the correct documents during UTME registration ensures a seamless process and reduces the chances of disqualification. 

Below are the key documents you need to provide:

  • O’Level Result:
    Present your WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results showing a minimum of five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, if you are awaiting results, indicate this during registration and upload them once available.
  • Birth Certificate or Age Declaration: Submit an official document that verifies your date of birth, ensuring you meet the minimum age requirement.
  • Passport Photograph: Provide a recent, clear passport photograph with a white background, meeting JAMB’s specifications.
  • National Identification Number (NIN): Ensure your NIN details match the information on your birth certificate and O’Level result.
  • JAMB Profile Code: Bring along the profile code you received after linking your NIN to JAMB, as it is required for purchasing the UTME e-PIN.

6. Select Preferred Exam Center

Choosing the right exam center is an important part of UTME registration. 

JAMB allows you to select your preferred center based on proximity and convenience. 

Consider the following factors when making your choice:

  • Pick a good location: Choose a center close to your residence to reduce stress on exam day, this helps you arrive early and stay calm during the examination.
  • Select an accredited center: Ensure that the selected center is officially accredited by JAMB to avoid issues such as invalid results or disqualification.
  • Look at the accessibility: Opt for a center that is easily accessible by public or private transport, especially if you live in a remote area.
  • Check facility conditions of the center: Consider centers with good infrastructure, such as adequate seating, ventilation, and functional computers, for a better exam experience.

7. Pay the UTME Registration Fee

Paying the UTME registration fee is a mandatory step in the registration process. 

Ensure you follow the approved guidelines to avoid errors. Here’s how to go about it:

  • Obtain your e-PIN: After receiving your JAMB profile code, visit a bank or an accredited payment outlet to pay the registration fee and obtain the e-PIN.
  • Know the approved fee: The UTME registration fee is officially set by JAMB. Ensure you pay the correct amount to avoid overcharges or rejection.
  • Use trusted payment channels: Make your payment through trusted channels, such as accredited banks, POS outlets, or online platforms authorized by JAMB.
  • Collect your receipt: After payment, request a receipt as proof of payment, which can be required later during registration or admission processing.

8. Choose Appropriate Subjects for Examination

Selecting the correct subject combination is critical for gaining admission into your desired course.

JAMB requires you to register for four subjects, including English Language, which is compulsory for all candidates. 

Consider the following tips when choosing your subjects:

  • Match subjects with your intended course: Select subjects that align with the requirements of your chosen course. For example, candidates applying for Engineering need to choose Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
  • Check JAMB guidelines: Refer to the JAMB brochure to verify the required subject combinations for your course to avoid disqualification during admission processing.
  • Avoid common mistakes: Ensure that the subjects selected are relevant to your course, choosing the wrong combination can lower your chances of admission, even with a high score.
  • Seek guidance if unsure: If you’re uncertain about the appropriate subjects, consult your teachers, school counselors, or JAMB officials for proper guidance.

9. Submit Recent Passport Photograph

Submitting a recent passport photograph is an important part of the UTME registration process. 

Your photograph is going to be used for your examination slip and other official documents.

Here are key points to keep in mind:

  • Follow JAMB specifications: The photograph needs to meet JAMB’s specifications, such as having a white background, being clear, and showing a frontal view of your face.
  • Use a professional photographer: It’s advisable to have your passport photograph taken at a JAMB-accredited center to avoid issues with quality or format.
  • Ensure clarity: The image needs to be clear with no obstructions, such as hats or glasses, to ensure your identity is easily verified on exam day.

10. Confirm Correct Details in Registration

Verifying your registration details is crucial to ensure accuracy and avoid future complications. After completing the registration process, carefully check the following:

  • Double-check your name, date of birth, and contact information to ensure they are correct and match your supporting documents.
  • Review your selected subjects to confirm that they align with your intended course of study.
  • Make sure that the exam center and date provided on your slip are correct to avoid any confusion or last-minute issues.

Final Thoughts

Verify that you meet the minimum age requirement of 16 years old by the admission year to avoid disqualification. 

Meet the educational qualifications by obtaining a minimum of five credits in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

Register for the UTME correctly by creating a JAMB profile, obtaining your National Identification Number (NIN), and filling out your form accurately.

Obtain a valid JAMB profile by following the steps outlined by JAMB, including sending your NIN to receive your profile code. 

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