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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released detailed performance statistics for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), painting a stark picture of national academic performance. Of the 1,955,069 candidates who sat for this year’s exam, more than 1.5 million failed to score up to 200 out of a possible 400.
In a statement shared on its official X account on Monday, JAMB disclosed that “1,534,654 candidates—representing 78.5%—scored below the 200 mark.” This indicates a troubling trend, as a vast majority of the test takers fell short of the midpoint score.
At the top end of the performance spectrum, only a small fraction of candidates excelled. Just “4,756 candidates (0.24%) achieved scores of 320 and above,” while “7,658 candidates (0.39%) scored between 300 and 319.” Altogether, only “12,414 candidates (0.63%) scored 300 and above.”
For scores ranging between 250 and 299, the board recorded “73,441 candidates (3.76%),” whereas a relatively higher number, “334,560 candidates (17.11%),” fell within the 200 to 249 band.
The largest cohort of candidates—“983,187 (50.29%)”—scored between 160 and 199, further reinforcing concerns over general performance levels. Other breakdowns show that “488,197 candidates (24.97%) scored between 140 and 159,” while “57,419 (2.94%) scored between 120 and 139.” A much smaller group—“3,820 (0.20%)”—scored between 100 and 119, and “2,031 candidates (0.10%)” scored below 100.
JAMB also revealed that “40,247 underage candidates were allowed to participate in the examination due to their ‘exceptional abilities’.” Yet, only “467 of these candidates (1.16%) achieved scores that meet the defined threshold for ‘exceptional ability’.” The board noted that these performances will be assessed further in the next stages of evaluation.
On exam integrity, JAMB reported that “97 candidates were involved in examination infractions,” and “2,157 others are currently under investigation for ‘suspected malpractices’.” It also stated that “71,701 candidates were absent from the examination,” and investigations are ongoing for those who experienced biometric verification issues. The board assured that candidates who are cleared will be “rescheduled for examination at designated centres.”
Meanwhile, certain categories of results, such as those for “blind candidates and candidates in the JEOG category,” are still being processed and will be released in due course.
In terms of public communication, JAMB announced that a press briefing would be held later in the week to outline “the modalities for checking results and addressing any public concerns.”
A look back at 2024 data shows similar trends. That year, over 1.94 million candidates registered, and “only 0.4% of candidates scored above 300, while 24% scored 200 or higher.” JAMB added that “76% of candidates scored below 200.” The gender distribution marked a shift, with female candidates comprising 50.6% and males 49.4%.”
Additionally, the 2025 examination saw increased participation from persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), with “3,164 PLWDs registering, marking a 36.2% increase compared to the previous year.”
This latest data release underscores mounting concerns about the quality of education and readiness of students for higher education in Nigeria.
