JAMB 2025: 21.5% of 1.9 million candidates scored above 200, 2,157 results under investigation

The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has revealed that 420,415 candidates (21.5 per cent) out of 1,955,069 who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scored above 200, while 78.5 per cent scored 200 or below. This represents a low performance compared to the 27.3 per cent pass mark recorded in the 2024 UTME, where 1,904,189 candidates sat for the exam.

In an announcement made by Jamb on Monday, it explained that out of 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the exam, the result revealed that 0.24 per cent of the candidates (4,756) scored 320 and above, 0.39 per cent (7,658) scored between 300–319, 3.76 per cent (73,441) scored between 250–299, and 17.11 per cent (334,560) scored between 200–249. 

Also, 50.29 per cent (983,187) scored between 160–199, 24.97 per cent (488,197) scored between 140–159, 2.94 per cent (57,419) scored between 120-139, 0.20 per cent (3,820) scored between 100-119 while those who scored below 100 are 2,031 or 0.10 percent.

The examination board noted that 2025 UTME witnessed 40,247 underage candidates (i.e., those below 16 years), following a policy that allows exceptionally gifted students to sit for the exam. Meanwhile, results revealed that about 1.16 per cent (467) of candidates scored 300 and above, which was the minimum benchmark to be considered for “gifted candidates” under JAMB’s model. Their fate still depends on the three additional post-exam evaluation stages yet to be conducted.

“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,” it added.

Also Read: How to check your 2025 JAMB/UTME results online or using SMS.

In its inclusion system, JAMB confirmed that the results of blind candidates and others under the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) are still being processed. Their exam was conducted under special arrangements using Braille and Read-Aloud modes, with full compliance with the standard test content. The release of these results will follow the final round of reviews and validation.

On the other hand, JAMB explained that 97 candidates got involved in examination misconduct, with their results being withheld, while 2,157 candidates are currently being investigated for suspected malpractice such as impersonation, illegal assistance, and tampering with exam systems. 

While the UTME 2025 is yet to be released, JAMB explained that it will host a press conference later in the week to formally announce the release of all candidates’ results.

JAMB 2025: Related issues 

As with previous editions, concerns and issues revolved around the conduct of UTME 2025. There were complaints from students and parents with reports of network and technical issues affecting the JAMB computer-based test (CBT) centres, potentially delaying or preventing candidates from taking the examination.

Others also complained about the schedule of exams, where candidates scheduled for the 8 am exam were asked to be at their exam centres by 6 am or 6:30 am.

At the core of the JAMB 2025 was the case of Esther Oladele, who went missing for over 24 hours and was later found safe in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The incident, which sparked public outcry, not only highlighted the dangers faced by young exam candidates but also reignited debates about JAMB’s examination logistics. Meanwhile, the board fiercely defended its central assignment process against accusations of misposting.

While addressing the issue of candidates being posted outside their chosen exam towns, JAMB insisted that candidates selected their preferred towns during registration, with the board assigning centres within that town. To silence critics, JAMB offered a “handsome financial reward” for proof of any candidate misposting, with submissions directed to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) within 96 hours.

Furthermore, JAMB also asked candidates to arrive 90 minutes early for verification to reduce risks, but JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, Ph.D. noted that some parents overlook these protocols, expecting exams to run like clockwork. He also shared the story of a female candidate who, swayed by her grandfather’s superstitious advice, sat through her exam without answering a single question, awaiting a “miraculous intervention”. This, he argued, reflects a broader issue of gullibility that JAMB seeks to combat.

The 2025 UTME recorded 2,030,627 candidates (excluding foreign candidates). A report by the examination board identified that this year’s figure is the highest in recent memory, surpassing the 1.8 million registered in 2022. The UTME 2025 commenced on Thursday, April 24, 2025.