The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Nigeria has been a focal point of discussion, marked by both student experiences and broader systemic concerns. Several narratives have emerged, highlighting the challenges faced by candidates, the reactions to the exam's content, and the overarching issues within Nigeria's education system.

One student, Angel Ki Mora, who participated in the 2025 mock UTME, shared her result online, revealing a score of 260. This prompted praise and underscored the importance of the mock examination as preparation for the main UTME. The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) reported that 200,000 candidates registered for the mock UTME, which took place on April 10, 2025, with results released on April 13. JAMB acknowledged delays experienced by some candidates due to new features implemented to enhance the examination process, emphasizing the mock exam's role in testing innovations and familiarizing candidates with the Computer-Based Testing (CBT) environment.

However, not all experiences were positive. One teenager expressed frustration after facing unexpected questions on the UTME, stating that the exam content differed significantly from what she had prepared for. This student, who aspired to study medicine and surgery, lamented her performance and considered changing her course of study to microbiology or biochemistry. The emotional account resonated with many Nigerians, who shared their own challenging JAMB experiences. Some reactions included encouragement, with individuals noting that unexpected success is possible, while others criticized the pressure on young students, particularly a 15-year-old sitting for the exam.

In addition to exam-related stress, logistical challenges and safety concerns have been raised. Peter Obi, a prominent political figure, criticized JAMB for scheduling exams as early as 6:00 AM and requiring teenagers to travel long distances, often in unsafe conditions. Obi highlighted reports of accidents, missing students, and unnecessary trauma, questioning who would take responsibility for the safety of these young candidates. He pointed out the systemic issue of insufficient universities and exam centers in Nigeria, leading to life-threatening journeys for students seeking education. Obi compared Nigeria's educational infrastructure unfavorably to that of Indonesia, advocating for greater investment in education to alleviate these challenges.

The discussion around the UTME also extended to the prescribed literature. A debate arose regarding the best JAMB novel, with one individual praising “Last Days At Focados High School” by A. H. Mohammed, a book used in 2014 and 2016. However, this opinion was met with varied responses, with others favoring titles such as “The Potter's Wheel” and “In Dependence”. The exchange illustrated the diverse reading experiences and preferences among those who have taken the UTME.

Amidst these concerns, there were reports of missing candidates. One such case involved a girl who went missing on her way to write the 2025 UTME. Her family's alarm on social media led to a search, and fortunately, she was later found. Such incidents underscore the risks associated with traveling to exam centers and highlight the need for increased safety measures.

JAMB, for its part, has addressed some of the concerns raised. The board dismissed claims of posting candidates to exam centers outside their chosen towns, clarifying that assignments are based on available CBT facilities within the selected locations. JAMB's spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, emphasized that candidates are always placed in centers within their chosen towns.