• VCs, Rectors, Provosts, Principals, Examiners to Meet Amid Candidates’ Complaints of Discrepancies
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will, on Wednesday, hold a comprehensive review of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, following widespread public complaints about irregularities and poor performance.
According to a notice obtained by DIP CONNECTS in Abuja, the meeting will bring together vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, school principals, examiners, and technical experts to evaluate the entire examination process. The goal is to identify potential challenges and recommend improvements.
This development follows an outcry from candidates and parents who allege discrepancies, technical glitches, and inconsistencies in the results released last Friday.
The review panel will include members from the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, the Educational Assessment and Research Network, and other top officials from Nigerian tertiary institutions.
“In furtherance of its commitment to public trust, JAMB has approved your participation in the review panel to assess the conduct of the examination, identify any challenges, and recommend solutions,” the official notice stated, adding that panel members will serve at no cost to the board.
The UTME is a crucial requirement for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, testing candidates in four subjects, including the mandatory Use of English and three others relevant to their proposed course of study.
Of the 1.9 million candidates who sat for the 2025 UTME, over 1.5 million scored below 200 out of the maximum 400 marks—prompting concern across the education sector.
JAMB data shows:
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1,955,069 results processed
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Only 4,756 candidates (0.24%) scored 320 and above
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7,658 candidates (0.39%) scored between 300 and 319
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73,441 candidates (3.76%) scored between 250 and 299
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334,560 candidates (17.11%) scored between 200 and 249
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983,187 candidates (50.29%) scored between 160 and 199
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488,197 candidates (24.97%) scored between 140 and 159
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57,419 candidates (2.94%) scored between 120 and 139
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3,820 candidates (0.20%) scored between 100 and 119
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2,031 candidates (0.10%) scored below 100
Over 75% of candidates scored below 200, prompting some to threaten legal action against the examination body.
JAMB spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said the board is fast-tracking its annual post-examination review, which typically examines the registration, examination, and result-release processes. “We are particularly concerned about the unusual complaints coming from certain states,” he said.
Benjamin explained that JAMB’s review covers three main phases: registration, the exam process, and result release. He noted that the board ensures every candidate gets a fair chance to take the exam and reschedules for those affected by technical issues. Experts have been engaged to support the review.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated that the 2025 performance statistics are consistent with the past 12 years. He cited:
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76% of candidates scored below 200 in 2024
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78% did the same in 2022
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In 2021, only 803 out of 1.3 million scored above 300 (0.06%)
Oloyede maintained that the results are not unusual or unprecedented.
Reacting to the outcome, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, described the performance as a sign that the government’s anti-malpractice measures are effective, especially within JAMB’s system. He reiterated the administration’s commitment to integrity in examinations and the admission process.
Meanwhile, candidates and parents have continued to raise allegations of irregularities. Some rejected their results, insisting they did not reflect their actual performance. Over 8,000 candidates reportedly submitted formal complaints regarding technical difficulties during the exam.
Outstanding Performance: 15-Year-Old Sets UTME Record
Amid the widespread discontent, a historic achievement was recorded by 15-year-old Afolabi Ayodeji of Icons Comprehensive College, Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo State. He scored 370 out of 400—the highest score recorded in over a decade.
Breakdown of Ayodeji’s scores:
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Mathematics: 98
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Physics: 98
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Chemistry: 94
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Use of English: 80
According to JAMB, no candidate has achieved a score of 370 since the introduction of the computer-based test format in 2013.
Ayodeji said, “I didn’t set out to break a record. I just wanted to give my best. I thank God, my parents, and my teachers for their support.”
