Are you gearing up for the 2024 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) this Thursday, March 7th? In a significant update from the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), candidates are now permitted to bring an ordinary HB pencil into the examination hall, a decision that marks a departure from previous restrictions.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has officially announced that the 2024 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Mock-UTME) will take place on Thursday, March 7, 2024. In a significant update, the Board has revised its policy regarding examination materials, allowing candidates to use ordinary HB pencils for numerical analysis if they choose.
It is imperative to note that the 2024 JAMB UTME will be conducted entirely via Computer-Based Testing (CBT). Therefore, it is advisable to download the JAMB CBT Software for Computers and the JAMB CBT Practice App for Android to simulate the exam environment accurately.
| 📅 Mock-UTME Date | March 7, 2024 |
| ✏️ HB Pencil | Allowed for Mock and Main UTME |
| 🚫 Banned Items | Watches, Pens, Phones, etc. |
| 📚 Main UTME Start | April 19, 2024 |
| 🏁 Main UTME End | April 29, 2024 |
| 📢 Announcement | By Dr Fabian Benjamin, JAMB Spokesperson |
| 📍 Examination | At Specified Centres |
| 🎯 Objective | Align with Global Best Practices |
Clarification on HB Pencils
Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the spokesperson for JAMB, released a statement on Wednesday clarifying the Board’s stance on the use of HB pencils in the examination hall. This announcement comes in response to numerous enquiries from candidates and the general public about the acceptability of HB pencils as a writing material during the examination.
Dr. Benjamin remarked, “It should be noted that the Board had hitherto prohibited the use of pencils and other banned materials in view of the nefarious ends that these materials are put.” However, the Board has now approved the use of ordinary HB pencils for the upcoming Mock-UTME and the main examination, which is scheduled to start on Friday, April 19, 2024.
Examination Guidelines
Candidates participating in the 2024 Mock-UTME, as well as the main UTME, are advised to arrive at their respective examination centres with only one pencil. It is crucial to ensure that they do not bring any other prohibited items into the examination hall.
JAMB’s list of banned items, established in 2019, includes watches, pens or biros, mobile phones or similar electronic devices, spy reading glasses, calculators, hard disks or similar storage devices, books or any reading material, cameras, recorders, and microphones. The decision to ban these items was made to align the examinations with best global practices and maintain the integrity of the testing process.
Notification Slips
Candidates who have registered for the Mock-UTME can print their notification slips. These slips contain essential information such as the candidate’s registration number, examination venue, date, and time, allowing them to locate their centers with ease. To print your slip, visit https://www.jamb.gov.ng, click on “2024 Mock-UTME” in the menu, and enter your registration number.
Arrive Early for Biometric Verification
Candidates are advised to arrive at their examination centres one hour before the scheduled time for biometric verification. The exam commencement time is non-negotiable, and JAMB is committed to maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for examination malpractice.
Key Dates for the 2024 UTME
The 2024 UTME is scheduled to commence on April 19, 2024, and will conclude on April 29, 2024. Candidates are encouraged to mark these dates in their calendars and prepare accordingly to ensure a smooth examination experience.
Conclusion
The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board’s decision to allow HB pencils in the examination hall reflects its commitment to facilitating a fair and conducive environment for all candidates. As we approach the 2024 Mock-UTME and the main UTME, candidates are urged to adhere strictly to the guidelines set forth by JAMB to avoid any complications. Best of luck to all participants, as they take this important step towards their tertiary education aspirations.