📊 2025 UTME: Over 1.5 Million Candidates Score Below 200 — JAMB
Abuja, Nigeria – May 6, 2025
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), revealing that more than 1.5 million candidates scored below 200 out of the 400-mark scale.
Out of the 1,955,069 registered candidates, only 420,415 candidates managed to score above 200, representing just 21.5% of total candidates. The board stated that 75% of all candidates scored below the 200 mark, while less than 1% crossed the 300 threshold, traditionally considered exceptional.
🧒 Underage Candidates and Exceptional Performance
JAMB disclosed that 40,247 underage candidates were granted permission to sit for the exam to demonstrate exceptional ability. However, only 467 of them (1.16%) achieved the required benchmark to be considered outstanding, pending further evaluations in upcoming selection stages.
🚫 Exam Malpractice and Absenteeism
The board also reported:
- 97 candidates were involved in confirmed examination infractions.
- 2,157 others are currently under investigation for alleged malpractices.
- 71,701 candidates were absent from the examination.
- Several candidates experienced biometric challenges, with investigations ongoing to determine eligibility for rescheduled tests.
🧑🦯 Blind Candidates and Pending Results
JAMB clarified that the results for blind candidates and other special categories (such as JEOG candidates) are still being processed, and will be released upon completion.
📢 Result Announcement Timeline
A press conference is scheduled later in the week where JAMB will:
- Announce individual candidate results.
- Provide guidance on how candidates can check their scores online or via SMS.
📌 Conclusion
The 2025 UTME results have stirred conversations around education quality, exam readiness, and access to preparation resources, as the large number of low scorers raises concerns about the standard of education across the country.
