By Ngozi Nwankwo
Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has disbursed a total of N397,030,900 as transport allowances to 1,909 officials participating in the conduct of the 2025 Mock Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination,UTME, scheduled for April 10, 2025.
This was disclosed by the Board’s Director of Finance, Mr. Mufutau Bello, during a meeting held in Abuja to assess JAMB’s readiness for both the mock examination and the main UTME.
Bello, who emphasised the critical national importance of the two examinations, said that the amount released so far for transport allowances represents only the first tranche of payments, covering one-third of the total officials involved in the exercise.
He stated: “The Mock exercise is the first phase of our core mandate, and we must, as always, distinguish ourselves. The nation relies on the success of this exercise; any shortcomings could tarnish the integrity of our education system.
“Much is at stake, including the dignity of our processes, the tertiary education system, and substantial financial resources—over N397,030,900 has been paid as transport allowances to the 1,909 officials travelling for the mock exercise scheduled for the 10th April, 2025.
“This amount represents only the initial phase, accounting for one-third of the total number of officials involved.”
Staff members, in response, pledged their full dedication to ensuring a successful and hitch-free conduct of both the mock exam and the main UTME nationwide.
They also acknowledged public concerns over local travel allowances, clarifying that such discussions often arise from a limited understanding of the logistical scope involved in the nationwide examination process.