The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has spent 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 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 the amount released so far for transport allowances represents only the first tranche of payments, covering one-third of the officials involved in the exercise.

"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," he said.

He noted that much is at stake, including the dignity of their processes and the tertiary education system.

"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.