Only 420,415 Candidates Score Above 200, JAMB Reveals
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released a detailed breakdown of the 2025 UTME (Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination) results, revealing that over 75% of candidates scored below 200 in the annual examination.
Out of the 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the 2025 UTME, only 420,415 scored above 200, representing just over 21% of total participants. The data, officially made public on Monday, paints a sobering picture of national academic performance and highlights critical areas of concern for stakeholders in Nigeria’s education sector.
Less Than 1% Scored Above 300 in the 2025 UTME
Perhaps more striking is the revelation that fewer than 1% of candidates scored above 300 marks in the 2025 UTME. While exact numbers were not disclosed for this high-performing group, JAMB noted that it represented a very small minority, reinforcing ongoing debates about the quality of secondary education and examination preparedness across the country.
This year’s performance trend follows a pattern observed in previous years, but the 2025 statistics reveal an even sharper drop in high scores, which may further influence admission cut-off marks and the competitiveness of tertiary institution entry.
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2025 UTME: 40,247 Underage Candidates Allowed; Less Than 2% Excel
In a move aimed at identifying exceptional talent, JAMB permitted 40,247 underage candidates—those below the standard age threshold—to sit for the examination. However, only 467 of these early starters, accounting for 1.16%, achieved scores that met the benchmark defined for exceptional academic ability.
JAMB clarified that these candidates would undergo three additional assessment stages, and the current scores represent just the first phase of evaluation.
Examination Malpractices and Infractions Still Under Review
According to JAMB, 97 candidates were directly involved in examination infractions, while 2,157 others are under investigation for suspected malpractice. The Board assured the public that investigations were ongoing, and any candidates found guilty would face appropriate sanctions.
Furthermore, 71,701 registered candidates failed to appear for the examination. JAMB attributed some of these absences to biometric verification challenges, adding that affected individuals are currently being reviewed. Those cleared will be rescheduled to write their exams at approved centres.
The results for blind candidates and a special category labeled ‘JEOG’ candidates are still being processed. JAMB said it is taking additional steps to ensure fairness in the grading of these groups due to the unique nature of their examination formats.
Press Conference Scheduled for Individual Result Announcement
While the statistical overview has been released, JAMB confirmed that a dedicated press conference will be held later this week to officially announce the availability of individual candidate results and to provide further instructions on how to check UTME scores.
Stakeholders including candidates, parents, school administrators, and admission officers across the country are eagerly awaiting the full release, which will play a crucial role in the 2025/2026 university and polytechnic admission processes.
Education Sector Reacts to Alarming Results
The latest figures have triggered renewed discussions on the state of education in Nigeria. With three out of every four candidates scoring below the 200 mark—out of a possible 400—calls are growing for urgent reforms in curriculum delivery, teacher training, and student engagement strategies.
Experts suggest that the low performance could be linked to a combination of poor foundational learning, lack of access to qualified educators, exam anxiety, and a failure to align school teaching with JAMB testing standards.
Key Statistics from 2025 UTME Results
- Total candidates who sat for the exam: 1,955,069
- Candidates who scored above 200: 420,415
- Candidates who scored above 300: <1%
- Underage candidates permitted: 40,247
- Underage candidates scoring above benchmark: 467 (1.16%)
- Candidates involved in infractions: 97
- Suspected malpractice cases under review: 2,157
- Candidates absent from exam: 71,701
- Results still pending (blind/JEOG candidates): Ongoing processing
