The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that 90% of available slots for the optional mock examination have been filled.  

In a statement, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, emphasized that the Board does not assign examination towns to candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) or mock exams. He urged applicants to carefully select their preferred locations when registering.  

Clarification on Exam Town Selection  
JAMB noted an increasing trend where candidates intentionally choose specific towns to secure mock examination slots, only to later claim they were placed in distant locations.  

"The Board does not select examination towns for candidates. Once a town’s capacity is reached, it will no longer be available for selection," the statement read.  

Limited Slots Available in Select States
JAMB disclosed that mock examination slots have been exhausted in most states, leaving only a few with available spaces.  

“The only states with remaining slots for the optional mock examination are Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, and Yobe. Candidates who wish to take the mock examination in these states are encouraged to select their examination towns accordingly,” the Board stated.  

Purpose of the Mock Examination  
JAMB reiterated that the optional mock exam serves two key purposes:  
1. To familiarize candidates with the Computer-Based Test (CBT) environment.  
2. To help the Board assess the functionality of its facilities ahead of the main UTME.  

Dr. Benjamin explained that mock examination slots are allocated strictly based on the capacity of available centers.  

“The Board allocates mock examination spaces based on availability, and once a town’s capacity is reached, it will no longer be selectable,” he added.  

Advisory for Candidates
Candidates are advised to make well-informed decisions when choosing their examination towns, factoring in travel logistics and personal convenience.  

“While candidates have the right to select their preferred examination towns, JAMB urges them to consider the implications of their choices. Some candidates may select towns that are quite distant, potentially outside their home state. The Board should not be held responsible for such decisions,” Dr. Benjamin stated.  

This advisory aims to ensure a smoother and less stressful examination experience.  

JAMB also emphasized that the mock examination is intended only for deserving candidates and that the Board seeks to avoid unnecessary strain.  

“The Board does not want to be overstressed. The mock examination is meant for candidates who truly need it, and we encourage them to choose their examination towns wisely,” JAMB added.  

Important Information on UTME and Direct Entry (DE) Registration Costs  
According to Nairametrics, JAMB has announced the cost implications for the 2025 UTME and Direct Entry (DE) registration:  
- Candidates opting for UTME with mock will pay ₦8,700.  
- Those skipping the mock exam will pay ₦7,200.  
- A mock trial for future candidates has been introduced at a registration fee of ₦3,500.  
- Direct Entry (DE) applicants will pay ₦5,700.  

Additionally, all candidates must provide their National Identification Number (NIN) for registration. The Board advised candidates to use a retrievable phone number, especially for those under 18, who should use a parent’s or guardian’s number for registration.