ABUJA, NIGERIA — Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has acknowledged errors in the recently conducted 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), affecting the performance of numerous candidates nationwide.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede admitted that technical issues had impacted the examination process, stating, “What should have been a moment of joy has changed due to one or two errors.”
As a result, approximately 379,999 candidates will be required to retake the exam, which serves as a critical prerequisite for admission into Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions.
The UTME assesses students in four subjects, including the compulsory Use of English, alongside three other subjects related to their intended field of study. This year’s results have raised concerns across the education sector, with data showing that more than 75% of candidates scored below 200 out of a maximum of 400.
Among the 1.9 million test takers, only 0.24% (4,756 candidates) scored 320 and above, a performance tier considered elite. Meanwhile, 7,658 candidates (0.39%) scored between 300 and 319, and 73,441 students (3.76%) achieved scores between 250 and 299.
With the majority of candidates performing below expectations, frustrated students and parents have voiced concerns over the integrity of the exam process. Some affected candidates have even threatened legal action against JAMB, demanding accountability.
The board has assured the public that measures will be put in place to prevent future errors and ensure a fair examination process for all students.
