Poor JAMB Results Reflect Nigeria’s Deteriorating Education Sector — Peter Obi
Awka, Nigeria – Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has voiced serious concern over the alarming failure rate in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), describing it as a harsh reflection of Nigeria’s collapsing education system.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) revealed that out of 1,955,069 candidates, only about 420,000 scored above 200, while more than 1.5 million students (approximately 78%) scored below the 200-mark benchmark.
📢 “This Is a Wake-Up Call” — Obi
In a post on his verified social media page, Obi declared that these figures are “symptomatic of decades of failure and underinvestment” in a sector that should drive national development.
“These results highlight the consequences of years of neglect in education, which should be the foundation of our national growth and prosperity,” he said.
🌍 Education Comparison: Nigeria vs. the World
Obi compared Nigeria’s educational output to that of other countries:
- Bangladesh, with 75% of Nigeria’s population, has over 3.4 million students in its National University system — far higher than Nigeria’s 2 million total university enrollment.
- Turkey, with about 87 million citizens, enrolls over 7 million students in higher education, more than triple Nigeria’s number.
💬 “Education Is National Investment, Not Just Social Service”
Reiterating the role of education in nation-building, Obi said:
“Education is the most critical driver of national development. It’s not just a moral obligation; it’s an economic strategy. Any nation serious about lifting its citizens out of poverty must treat education as a strategic investment.”
He called for urgent reforms and aggressive investment across all levels of education — from basic to tertiary.
🗣️ Related Reactions
- The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Alausa, argued that the mass failure was due to stronger anti-exam malpractice measures.
- JAMB also responded to criticisms, clarifying there were no UTME exams conducted as early as 6 a.m., countering claims by Obi.
- Critics and supporters alike, including Governor Sanwo-Olu and Governor Soludo, weighed in, with mixed reactions to Obi’s remarks.
📌 Conclusion: Peter Obi’s statement reignites national conversations about education reform in Nigeria, especially as millions of Nigerian youth continue to face hurdles in accessing quality and equitable education.
