The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), revealing that more than 1.5 million of the 1.95 million candidates who sat for the exam scored below 200 out of the maximum score of 400.
In a statement shared on its official X account on Monday, JAMB disclosed that a total of 1,955,069 candidates participated in the examination. Of these, a significant 1,534,654 candidates (78.5%) scored below the 200 mark.
A breakdown of the results shows that only 4,756 candidates (0.24%) achieved scores of 320 and above, while 7,658 candidates (0.39%) scored between 300 and 319. In total, just 12,414 candidates (0.63%) scored 300 or higher.
For the 250-299 score range, 73,441 candidates (3.76%) were recorded, while 334,560 candidates (17.11%) scored between 200 and 249. The largest group of candidates, 983,187 (50.29%), scored within the 160-199 range.
Further down the scale, 488,197 candidates (24.97%) scored between 140 and 159, and 57,419 candidates (2.94%) scored between 120 and 139. A smaller group, 3,820 candidates (0.20%), scored between 100 and 119, while 2,031 candidates (0.10%) scored below 100.
Additionally, JAMB reported that 40,247 underage candidates were allowed to sit for the examination due to their “exceptional abilities.” However, only 467 of these candidates (1.16%) achieved scores that met the threshold for “exceptional ability.” Their performances will undergo further evaluation in the subsequent stages of the admission process.
Malpractices and investigations
JAMB also highlighted cases of examination malpractice, revealing that 97 candidates were involved in infractions, while 2,157 others are currently under investigation for suspected malpractices. The board noted that 71,701 candidates were absent from the examination, with some facing biometric issues. These candidates will be investigated, and those cleared will be rescheduled to sit for the exam at designated centres.
Additionally, some results, including those of blind candidates and those in the JEOG category, are still being processed and will be released once finalized. JAMB assured that candidates affected by biometric challenges or under investigation will receive fair treatment, with rescheduling provided for those who are cleared.
Press briefing scheduled
A press briefing is scheduled for later this week, where JAMB will outline the process for checking results and address any public concerns.
Comparison with 2024 UTME
In 2024, over 1.94 million candidates registered for the UTME, with 1,904,189 candidates sitting for the exam. The 2024 results revealed that only 0.4% of candidates scored above 300, while 24% scored 200 or higher. The remaining 76% scored below 200. For the first time in three years, female candidates (50.6%) outnumbered their male counterparts (49.4%).
Additionally, the 2024 UTME saw a 36.2% increase in the number of candidates living with disabilities (PLWDs), with 3,164 registered for the examination.
