The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the outcome of this year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), shedding light on the performance of nearly two million candidates who participated in the nationwide test.
Out of the 1,955,069 candidates who took part, only a small portion—420,415—were able to secure scores from 200 and above, indicating that more than three-quarters of the total number scored below that mark. An even smaller group, fewer than 13,000 candidates, crossed the 300 score line.
Performance data further revealed that 73,441 candidates scored between 250 and 299, while 334,560 fell within the 200–249 range. The majority—983,187—scored between 160 and 199. Those who earned marks between 140 and 159 totalled 488,197, with another 57,419 in the 120–139 range. At the lower end, 3,820 scored between 100 and 119, and 2,031 candidates posted results under 100.
The examination, which commenced on April 24, was marred in some centres by complaints of system delays and connectivity failures, sparking frustration among candidates and parents. Technical issues reportedly hindered smooth participation in several computer-based test (CBT) centres.
In a separate update, the board acknowledged that 40,247 younger candidates were granted special permission to take the test. Of these, only 467 showed performances aligning with high academic potential, based on the board’s set criteria. Their final assessment will depend on outcomes from three additional review stages.
JAMB also reported 97 confirmed instances of examination malpractice, while 2,157 other cases are under scrutiny. In addition, 71,701 registered candidates were absent during the test period. Some of the no-shows were linked to biometric complications, and those cleared may be granted another opportunity to write the exam.
Results for a few special categories of candidates, including those with visual impairments and others under alternative arrangements, are still undergoing processing.
