Out of the 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), over 1.5 million of them scored less than 200 in the exercise.
The statistical analysis of 2025 UTME result released Monday by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) indicated that only 420,415 candidates scored above 200 in the 2025 edition of the UTME.
The data showed that 75% of candidates scored below 200 in the examination, with less than 1% scoring above 300.
…2025 UTME data by JAMB
In the statement accompanying the data, JAMB said “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.
“Of the total number registered, 97 candidates were involved in examination infractions, while 2,157 others are currently undergoing investigations for suspected malpractices.
“Additionally, 71,701 candidates were absent. Those facing biometric challenges are also under investigation, and those who are cleared will be rescheduled for examination at designated centres.
“Furthermore, few of the results, including those of blind candidates and others in the JEOG candidates group, are still being processed.
“A press conference to announce the individual results of candidates and to facilitate result checking will be held later this week.”
…Only 1.16% underage show exceptional ability
Out of the 40,247 underage candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), only 467 — which is 1.16 per cent —scored high enough to be classified under the exceptional ability category, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has revealed.
This formed a total of 1,955,069 processed results for the year, PUNCH Online reports.
In a post made on X (formerly Twitter) via its official handle @JAMBHQ, the examination body on Monday, disclosed that although the underage candidates were permitted to showcase their academic prowess, “their performance in the subsequent three stages is still pending,” indicating that the evaluation process for these prodigious candidates is far from over.
…Misconduct and absenteeism
The Board also shed light on disturbing cases of misconduct and absenteeism that characterised the 2025 UTME.
“A total of 97 candidates were involved in examination infractions,” JAMB stated, adding that “2,157 others are currently undergoing investigations for suspected malpractices.”
Also concerning is the large number of students who failed to appear for the exam altogether.
“71,701 candidates were absent,” the Board confirmed, offering no immediate breakdown of reasons for their non-participation.
JAMB also addressed the issue of biometric verification challenges, a recurring problem in recent years.
“Candidates facing biometric challenges are under investigation, and those who are cleared will be rescheduled for examination at designated centres,” it announced.