Out of the 1,955,069 candidates who took part in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), more than 1.5 million scored below 200, according to statistics released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday.
The breakdown of the results showed that only 420,415 candidates were able to score above 200 in the national examination.
Additionally, 4,756 candidates scored above 320, while 7,658 candidates achieved scores between 300 and 319.
In its accompanying statement, JAMB noted, “40,247 underage candidates were permitted to demonstrate their exceptional abilities. However, only 467 of these candidates (1.16%) achieved scores that meet the threshold for exceptional ability as defined for the UTME, with their performance in the subsequent three stages still pending.”
What you should know
The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) witnessed a remarkable increase in participation compared to the 2024 edition.
In 2025, a total of 1,955,069 candidates sat for the exam—an increase of over 200,000 from the 2024 figure of approximately 1.7 million candidates.
However, this surge in turnout did not reflect an improvement in performance.
While 2024 saw a relatively higher percentage of candidates scoring above 200, the 2025 results indicate a drop, with only 420,415 candidates achieving scores above 200.
This means over 1.5 million candidates in 2025 scored below the midpoint mark, raising concerns about preparedness and overall academic standards.
The statistics also reflect that only 4,756 candidates scored above 320 in 2025, compared to nearly 6,000 in the previous year.
Even among the 40,247 underage candidates allowed to sit for the exam, just 467—roughly 1.16%—achieved what JAMB describes as the threshold for “exceptional ability.” These figures underscore the growing challenge of quality education and exam readiness in Nigeria, despite increased access.
As the numbers climb, experts may call for reforms in teaching, learning environments, and the national curriculum to ensure that higher participation also results in better academic outcomes.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM VERILY NEWS
