The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has admitted to technical errors that affected the performance of thousands of candidates in the recently concluded 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made an emotional apology while addressing the situation. Wiping tears from his eyes, Oloyede described the incident as a major setback, stating, “It is our culture to admit error because we know that in spite of the best of our efforts, we are human; we are not perfect.”
He announced that 379,997 affected candidates would retake the examination due to widespread complaints of technical glitches, abnormally low scores, and issues with questions and answers. The board later confirmed that 157 of the 887 examination centres experienced the technical glitch that significantly skewed results.
On its official X handle, JAMB wrote: “Man Proposes, God Disposes! It has been established that a technical glitch affected 157 centres… responsible for the general low performance.” The board confirmed that affected candidates would receive new exam slips for a rescheduled test starting May 16, 2025.
### Mass Failure: Shocking Statistics
A staggering 1,534,654 of the 1.95 million candidates (78.5%) scored below 200 in the 2025 UTME, with only 0.63% scoring 300 and above. The highest cluster was in the 160–199 score band, where over 983,000 candidates were recorded. Just 4,756 candidates scored 320 and above, while only 3,820 candidates scored between 100 and 119.
JAMB also disclosed that 40,247 underage candidates were allowed to participate due to their “exceptional abilities,” but only 467 (1.16%) met the performance benchmark set for them.
Malpractices and Investigations
In addition to the technical issues, JAMB confirmed 97 cases of malpractice, with 2,157 candidates still under investigation. Around 71,701 candidates were absent, and those with biometric issues are currently being assessed for rescheduling. The results of blind candidates and those in the JEOG category are still being processed.
Backlash and Review Process
Following massive backlash and public complaints, JAMB has launched an immediate review of the 2025 UTME. Public Communication Advisor Fabian Benjamin revealed that experts from various fields — including tech, education assessment, and university vice-chancellors — have been engaged to examine the integrity of the process.
He assured that any confirmed errors would be addressed with appropriate remedial action.
Minister Backs JAMB’s Anti-Malpractice Technology
Speaking on Channels TV, Education Minister Tunji Alausa defended JAMB’s computer-based testing system, stating that the technology had “made cheating nearly impossible” and called for its adoption by other national exams like WAEC and NECO.
Despite this, legal action is reportedly being considered by aggrieved candidates and parents over the examination’s credibility.
What you should know
JAMB has admitted to a major technical glitch affecting the 2025 UTME, prompting a resit for nearly 380,000 candidates.
The mass failure rate — with over 78% scoring below 200 — has triggered outrage, investigations, and plans for legal redress.
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