The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially admitted to technical errors that negatively impacted the performance of candidates during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) held across the country.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, emotionally acknowledged the faults that plagued this year’s examination, which led to widespread complaints from candidates and parents alike.
“Once again, we sincerely apologise and assure Nigerians that this incident represents a major setback for us,” Oloyede stated while wiping away tears. “Despite our best efforts, we are human, and perfection sometimes eludes us.”
379,997 Candidates to Retake 2025 UTME
As a direct response, Oloyede announced that a total of 379,997 affected candidates would be required to retake their examinations starting from May 16, 2025. According to JAMB, the technical glitch was traced to 157 out of the 887 approved centres nationwide.
Confirming this via an official post on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, JAMB wrote: “Man proposes, God disposes! It has been established that a technical glitch affected 157 centres. This was primarily responsible for the generally poor performance of candidates scheduled at those venues.”
Affected candidates are expected to reprint their examination slips in preparation for the rescheduled tests.
2025 UTME Performance Statistics: Over 78% Scored Below 200
JAMB’s released data from the 2025 UTME paints a stark picture of mass low performance. Of the 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the examination, 1,534,654 — about 78.5% — scored below the 200 benchmark.
A breakdown of the results showed:
Only 4,756 candidates (0.24%) scored 320 and above.
7,658 candidates (0.39%) scored between 300 and 319.
12,414 candidates (0.63%) achieved 300 and above.
73,441 candidates (3.76%) scored between 250 and 299.
983,187 candidates (50.29%) fell within the 160 to 199 range.
The board also noted that 40,247 underage candidates were permitted to sit for the examination under its “exceptional abilities” policy, but only 467 met the required score threshold.
Investigation into Malpractice and Absenteeism
In addition to technical issues, JAMB disclosed that 97 candidates were caught in examination infractions, while 2,157 others are under investigation for suspected malpractices. Furthermore, 71,701 candidates were absent from the examination for various reasons.
The board assured that those cleared of any wrongdoing or biometric issues would be rescheduled for future sittings at designated centres.
Public Outcry Forces Immediate UTME Review
Amid mounting criticism, JAMB announced an immediate review of the 2025 UTME following what it described as an “unusual volume of complaints” regarding technical challenges, incomplete questions, and mass low scores.
A special committee, including experts from the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria, university vice-chancellors, and educational measurement experts, has been commissioned to scrutinise the examination process.
Speaking on Channels Television last week, Minister of State for Education, Tunji Alausa, attributed the mass failure to JAMB’s robust anti-malpractice technology, claiming it had made cheating nearly impossible — a development he urged to be replicated across other national exams like WAEC and NECO.
Despite assurances, reports suggest some aggrieved candidates are considering legal action against the examination body.
As tension builds among students, parents, and education stakeholders, JAMB has pledged fairness and transparency in addressing the crisis while promising corrective measures to restore confidence in its computer-based testing system.
