The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Monday released the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, raising concerns about mass failure as more than 1.5 million out of 1.9 million candidates whose results were released scored below 200.
The UTME is graded over 400, with each candidate assessed in four subjects scored over 100 marks each.
A breakdown of the results released by JAMB on Monday showed that 983,187 candidates (50.29%) scored between 160 and 199, while 488,197 candidates (24.97%) scored between 140 and 159.
Additionally, 57,419 candidates (2.94%) scored between 120 and 139.
In contrast, high performers were significantly fewer. Only 4,756 candidates (0.24%) scored 320 and above, while 7,658 candidates (0.39%) scored between 300 and 319. This brings the total number of candidates who scored 300 and above to 12,414 (0.63%).
A further 73,441 candidates (3.76%) scored between 250 and 299, and 334,560 candidates (17.11%) scored between 200 and 249, the range typically regarded as competitive for many university admissions.
The board also disclosed that of the 40,247 underage candidates who took the exam, only 467 (1.16%) performed well enough to be classified under the “exceptional ability” category
While these candidates were allowed to demonstrate their academic strength, JAMB noted that “their performance in the subsequent three stages is still pending,” indicating that their evaluation is ongoing.
Beyond academic performance, JAMB expressed concern over various operational challenges encountered during the exam.
According to the board, 97 candidates were caught engaging in examination infractions, while 2,157 others are currently under investigation for alleged malpractice.
Absenteeism was also notable in this year’s examination, with 71,701 registered candidates failing to show up.
JAMB did not provide a breakdown or explanation for these absences.
The 2025 UTME results come amid increasing scrutiny of Nigeria’s education system and underscore the need for ongoing reforms to improve student preparedness and institutional accountability.
Reacting to the results, popular medical commentator @OurFavOnlineDoc criticised both JAMB and the government. He also raised issues with the exam’s scheduling.
He wrote, “Over 75% of the students who took this exam failed it. This is a shame on JAMB, this is a huge shame on the govt. You cannot set an exam for 6:30am in the morning, which is an incredibly unsafe and dangerous time, then express shock when these kids fail.”
An education and career advocate, Dipo Awojide, attributed the decline in performance to lifestyle choices and poor attitudes toward education.
He further blamed the influence of older youth who preach the “school na scam” ideology
He wrote, “Seventy-five per cent of the candidates scored below 200 in JAMB examination. Not surprised. A generation that spends more than half their time on TikTok will never be able to score above 50% in any examination. Further fuelled by “school na scam” comments from dumb seniors. And loss of family values – hard work, dedication, and commitment to a better life. School no be scam. Sadly, it might be too late by the time many find out.”
Similarly, another X user with the handle, @UgwunnaEjikem pointed to a disturbing shift in youth priorities,”
He wrote “JAMB scores are declining year after year. Young people are more interested in gangsterism, drugs and fraud than they are in education or even learning a skill. There is fire on the mountain.”
Meanwhile, The Online JAMB Class Academy also weighed in with additional data from JAMB, revealing that out of 40,247 underage candidates who sat for the exam under a special “exceptional ability” provision, only 467 (1.16%) scored high enough to meet the benchmark for that category.
Furthermore, the platform disclosed that 97 candidates were confirmed to have committed examination infractions, while 2,157 are currently under investigation for suspected malpractices.
“Other complications include biometric verification issues, with affected candidates slated for rescheduling. Over 71,000 students were marked absent, and a segment of results including those of blind candidates and Joint External Observer Group (JEOG) participants are still being processed.
“JAMB is expected to hold a press conference later in the week to announce individual results and clarify concerns,” the platform added.
