Massive UTME Failure: JAMB Reveals Over 1.5 Million Scored Below 200

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has published a detailed performance report of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), revealing that more than 1.5 million candidates scored below the 200 benchmark—a common minimum cutoff for university admissions in Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Of the 1,955,069 results released on Monday, only 420,415 candidates attained scores above 200. Even more revealing, just 12,414 candidates—equivalent to 0.63% of total participants—scored 300 and above, placing them among the highest achievers in this year’s exam.

A breakdown shows that:

• 4,756 candidates scored 320 and above.

• 7,658 scored between 300 and 319.

In a special category, JAMB disclosed that 40,247 underage candidates—granted permission under special consideration—took the exam. However, only 467 (1.16%) of them achieved scores considered exceptional, with their further assessments still ongoing.

JAMB made this clarification via its official X handle (@JAMBHQ), adding that results for certain candidates, including visually impaired candidates and those under the JEOG category, are still being processed.

Beyond performance data, the 2025 UTME also saw logistical and disciplinary challenges:

• 97 candidates were confirmed to have committed exam infractions.

• 2,157 are under investigation for possible malpractice.

• 71,701 candidates were marked absent, though reasons were not disclosed.

• Candidates with biometric verification issues are still under review and may be rescheduled for new test dates.

A press briefing has been scheduled by the Board for further clarification. Once concluded, candidates will be able to check their results through official JAMB portals.

Performance Breakdown – 2025 UTME:

• 320 & above: 4,756 (0.24%)

• 300–319: 7,658 (0.39%)

• 250–299: 73,441 (3.76%)

• 200–249: 334,560 (17.11%)

• 160–199: 983,187 (50.29%)

• 140–159: 488,197 (24.97%)

• 120–139: 57,419 (2.94%)

• 100–119: 3,820 (0.20%)

• Below 100: 2,031 (0.10%)

Key Takeaways:

• Over 75% of candidates scored below 200.

• Less than 1% scored 300 and above.

• The majority of scores (over 50%) fell within the 160–199 range, potentially complicating admission prospects across tertiary institutions.