UTME 2025: Over 1.5 Million Candidates Score Below 200 as JAMB Releases Shocking Statistics
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed that more than 1.5 million candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scored below 200 out of the maximum 400 points. This represents approximately 78% of the total number of candidates who took the exam.
The figures, released by JAMB on Monday through an official statistical analysis, provide a sobering insight into the overall performance of students seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education this year. JAMB noted that the results of individual candidates will be officially released later in the week during a press briefing.
Out of the 1,955,069 results processed so far, only 420,415 candidates, or 22%, managed to score above 200. Even more alarming, just 12,414 candidates — accounting for a mere 0.63% — scored above 300. These results point to a significant performance gap, raising questions about student preparedness and the quality of foundational education across the country.
In comparison to 2024, the pass rate remains concerningly low. Last year, only 24% of candidates scored above 200, while 76% scored below. The number of candidates scoring above 300 points was even lower in 2024, with just 8,000 or 0.5% reaching that benchmark.
Meanwhile, JAMB reported that 97 candidates were directly involved in exam-related infractions, and 2,157 others are still under investigation for suspected malpractice. The board has stated that these cases are being reviewed carefully and appropriate sanctions will follow.
Additionally, JAMB disclosed that 71,701 candidates were absent from the exam and did not take part at all. Others facing biometric verification challenges are still under investigation, and if cleared, they will be rescheduled to take the examination at designated centres. This includes blind candidates and those under the JEOG category whose results are still being processed.
On another note, JAMB confirmed that 40,247 underage candidates were allowed to participate in the UTME this year under special consideration as “exceptional candidates.” However, only 467 of them — just 1.16% — met the defined threshold for exceptional ability. Their final performance will be evaluated further across three subsequent assessment stages.
As the board prepares to release official results and further guidance later this week, the focus remains on addressing the root causes behind the low performance and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education entry process.
