Abuja: The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) released the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), revealing that over 1.5 million candidates scored below 200 out of a total of 1,955,069 candidates. This means that only 420,415 candidates scored above 200, representing around 25 per cent, while less than 1 per cent scored above 300. The results have raised concerns among stakeholders about the state of the nation's education system.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ike Onyechere, Founder of Exam Ethics Marshall International (EEMI), remarked that the outcome of the examination was expected due to the ethical and professional administration of the exam, which has exposed underlying issues in the education system. Onyechere noted that JAMB's efforts to reduce malpractice have highlighted the lack of preparedness among students, many of whom rely on fraudulent means to pass exams.
Onyechere pointed out that universities are alarmed by the academic quality of incoming students, many of whom lack basic foundational knowledge necessary for tertiary education. He attributed this trend to systemic issues such as inadequate preparation, inclusion of underqualified candidates, and a cultural dependence on exam fraud. He suggested reforms in the registration process, recommending that only candidates with five credits in WAEC or NECO be allowed to sit for future UTME exams to ensure a more qualified candidate pool.
He also dismissed claims that the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format is a barrier to performance, stating that technology is now an integral part of daily life and that the CBT format is objective. Onyechere urged students to focus on talent discovery and career alignment rather than solely on obtaining certificates.
JAMB has acknowledged that 71,701 candidates were absent from the exam, and many faced biometric challenges preventing their participation. The board is investigating these issues and plans to reschedule exams for cleared candidates. Criticisms have been raised by parents and stakeholders regarding the registration process, CBT format, and early timing, citing challenges such as access to reliable computer systems and internet connectivity, particularly for students in rural areas.
JAMB's Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, clarified that the performance statistics for the 2025 UTME are consistent with results from the past 12 years. He emphasized that such results align with historical patterns. Stakeholders have called on Oloyede and his team to enhance JAMB's registration platform and ensure equitable access to CBT facilities.
Dr Fabian Benjamin, JAMB's Public Communication Advisor, stated that the board has begun investigating alleged technical glitches following complaints about poor performance. The board is collaborating with vice-chancellors and IT experts to identify the root cause and provide remedies if errors are confirmed. The annual system review will cover registration, examination, and the result of the investigation to address any technical faults.
Education stakeholders suggest a hybrid conduct of the UTME, allowing some candidates to use pencil and paper, which could benefit less tech-savvy candidates in rural areas. They believe that contributions from various stakeholders can strengthen JAMB's role in facilitating fair and transparent access to tertiary education.