By Peter Omopo
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a high-level review of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results following widespread public outcry over technical glitches and poor performance.
The review session, scheduled for Thursday, will bring together vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, school principals, examiners, and key education stakeholders to assess the conduct and outcome of the examination. The meeting will also include representatives from professional and educational bodies such as the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, and the Educational Assessment and Research Network.
An official notice obtained by The PUNCH in Abuja confirmed that the panel is expected to “identify challenges, if any, and proffer relevant recommendations to prevent a recurrence,” while reaffirming JAMB’s commitment to transparency and credibility. The board noted that the review would be conducted at no cost to the government.
The decision follows mounting protests from candidates and parents after JAMB released the 2025 UTME results last Friday. Many candidates alleged irregularities during the computer-based exam, including technical malfunctions and scoring inconsistencies.
Out of 1,955,069 processed results, only 12,414 candidates (0.63%) scored 300 and above out of a possible 400, while more than 1.5 million candidates — over 75% — scored below 200, widely regarded as the average benchmark for university admission.
A breakdown of the results showed:
- 4,756 candidates (0.24%) scored 320 and above
- 7,658 candidates (0.39%) scored between 300–319
- 73,441 candidates (3.76%) scored between 250–299
- 334,560 candidates (17.11%) scored between 200–249
- 983,187 candidates (50.29%) scored between 160–199
- 488,197 candidates (24.97%) scored between 140–159
- 57,419 candidates (2.94%) scored between 120–139
- 3,820 candidates (0.20%) scored between 100–119
- 2,031 candidates (0.10%) scored below 100
The sharp decline in performance has triggered outrage and prompted some candidates to threaten legal action against the board.
In response, JAMB spokesperson Dr. Fabian Benjamin said the board was fast-tracking its routine post-examination audit, which typically covers the registration process, test administration, and result release.
“We are particularly concerned about the unusual complaints originating from a few states within the federation,” Benjamin stated. “We are currently scrutinising these complaints in detail to identify and rectify any potential technical issues.”
JAMB reiterated that its system allows for rescheduling of tests in instances of verified technical problems, and assured that any lapses identified during the review would be addressed to safeguard the integrity of future examinations.
