JAMB Reviews 2025 UTME Results Amid Public Outcry Over Technical Glitches

Editor May 14, 2025Last Updated: May 14, 2025

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By DAYO ADESULU

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a comprehensive 2025 UTME results review following widespread dissatisfaction from candidates and parents. The board plans to convene a high-level meeting on Thursday to evaluate the conduct and outcome of the JAMB UTME 2025 results, which have stirred intense debate across Nigeria.

Stakeholders to Scrutinize 2025 UTME Result Complaints

According to an official notice obtained in Abuja, the 2025 UTME results review panel will consist of vice-chancellors, provosts, rectors, school principals, examiners, and top technical experts. This diverse group will examine the examination process to identify challenges and recommend reforms.

Organizations such as the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, the Educational Assessment and Research Network, and the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria will participate in the 2025 UTME results review.

JAMB stated in the notice:

“In furtherance of the commitment of the board to earn public confidence in its processes, the management has approved your participation to be part of the review panel constituted to appraise the conduct of the examination with the mandate to identify challenges, if any, and proffer relevant recommendations to prevent a recurrence.”

The board emphasized that the 2025 UTME results review panel’s task will be carried out at no cost to JAMB.

2025 UTME Results Raise Alarming Concerns Nationwide

Over 1.9 million candidates sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). However, more than 75% of them scored below 200 out of the total 400 marks, prompting accusations of technical failures and irregularities.

Here’s a breakdown of the performance:

Only 4,756 candidates (0.24%) scored 320 and above.
7,658 candidates (0.39%) scored between 300 and 319.
73,441 candidates (3.76%) scored between 250 and 299.
334,560 candidates (17.11%) scored between 200 and 249.
983,187 candidates (50.29%) scored between 160 and 199.
488,197 candidates (24.97%) scored between 140 and 159.
57,419 candidates (2.94%) scored between 120 and 139.
3,820 candidates (0.20%) scored between 100 and 119.
2,031 candidates (0.10%) scored below 100.

These results triggered protests from students and parents, many of whom alleged that technical glitches affected the integrity of the examination.

JAMB Responds to Criticism, Promises Transparency

JAMB’s spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, acknowledged the unusual complaints emerging from some regions. He confirmed that the board is accelerating its 2025 UTME results post-examination review—a process that traditionally evaluates registration, examination conduct, and result release months after the exams.

“We are particularly concerned about the unusual complaints originating from a few states within the federation,” Benjamin said.

“We are currently scrutinising these complaints in detail to identify and rectify any potential technical issues.”

He added that after 2025 UTME results review, every candidate who experienced technical issues would be given a second chance to write the exam, in line with the board’s protocols.

Registrar Defends Results, Cites 12-Year Trend

JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, responded to public concern by explaining that the current performance aligns with a 12-year trend. He clarified that such outcomes are not unusual and reflect historical patterns.

In fact:

In 2024, 76% of candidates scored below 200.
In 2022, 78% of 1.7 million candidates scored under 200.
In 2021, only 803 out of 1.3 million candidates scored above 300.

“This is not peculiar to this year. The performance statistics are consistent with those of the last 12 years,” Oloyede said.

Education Minister Links Low Scores to Anti-Malpractice Measures

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, attributed the high failure rate to intensified anti-malpractice policies. He believes the low performance in the 2025 UTME is a result of increased transparency in JAMB’s systems.

According to the minister, “The government’s focus on integrity and fairness is paying off. We will continue to support JAMB’s reforms to ensure credible and fair assessments.”

Candidates Reject Results, Demand Explanation

Despite the assurances, frustration remains high. Thousands of candidates have questioned their scores, with some insisting they do not reflect their actual performance.

Social media has also amplified the complaints. A user identified as @Pennyfabz, who scored 156, expressed disbelief, citing a previous UTME score of 285 in an earlier attempt.

Moreover, over 8,000 candidates have officially submitted complaints about technical issues they encountered during the test.

JAMB Engages IT Experts for Technical Investigation

In response to the technical complaints, JAMB has brought in independent IT experts to investigate potential flaws in the examination system. The board reiterated that any candidate affected by system failure would not be unfairly penalized.

JAMB maintains that the review is not only to address the current uproar but also to improve future examination exercises.

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