2025 UTME: Over 75% of Candidates Score Below 200 as JAMB Releases Results

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the statistical breakdown of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), revealing that a significant majority of candidates scored below the benchmark score of 200.

Out of the 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the examination, only 420,415 scored above 200—representing just over 21%. The data further indicates that over 75% of the candidates scored below 200, while a mere 0.63% attained scores of 300 and above.

Performance Breakdown

According to JAMB, the detailed score distribution is as follows:

• Scores 320 and above: 4,756 candidates (0.24%)
• Scores between 300–319: 7,658 candidates (0.39%)
• Scores between 250–299: 73,441 candidates (3.76%)
• Scores between 200–249: 334,560 candidates (17.11%)
• Scores between 160–199: 983,187 candidates (50.29%)
• Scores between 140–159: 488,197 candidates (24.97%)
• Scores between 120–139: 57,419 candidates (2.94%)
• Scores between 100–119: 3,820 candidates (0.20%)
• Scores below 100: 2,031 candidates (0.10%)

These figures underscore a performance trend that leans heavily toward the mid-to-lower score ranges.

Underage Candidates and Exceptional Ability

JAMB also reported that 40,247 underage candidates were granted special access to sit for the UTME under the Exceptionally Brilliant Candidates Window. However, only 467 of them (1.16%) met the threshold to be considered exceptionally gifted, with their evaluation process still ongoing across three additional stages.

Cases of Misconduct and Absenteeism

The Board noted disturbing trends related to examination misconduct and absenteeism:

• Examination infractions: 97 candidates were directly involved.
• Ongoing investigations for malpractice: 2,157 candidates.
• Absentees: 71,701 candidates failed to appear for the exam.

Additionally, candidates with unresolved biometric verification issues are currently being investigated. Those who are cleared will be rescheduled to sit for the exam at designated centres.

Unreleased Results

A few results are still being processed, particularly for special categories such as blind candidates and others under the JEOG (Joint Examination for the Gifted) group.

Next Steps

JAMB announced that a press conference will be held later this week to formally unveil individual results and activate access to the result-checking portal for all candidates.

Earlier this year, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede had confirmed that candidates under the age of 16 demonstrating exceptional academic abilities would be allowed to sit for the UTME, in line with the Board’s policy to identify and nurture gifted students.

Source: Nairametrics