The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially acknowledged that errors occurred during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which significantly impacted the performance of many candidates.
In a press briefing held in Abuja, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, addressed the issue, stating: “What should have been a moment of joy has changed due to one or two errors.” He confirmed that these errors contributed to the unusually low scores seen in the examination results.
Out of the 1.9 million candidates who sat for the exam, over 1.5 million scored below 200 out of the maximum possible 400 points, leading to widespread dissatisfaction. In total, only 12,414 candidates, which is approximately 0.63% of the total examinees, scored 300 or higher. The breakdown of the results is as follows:
* 4,756 candidates scored 320 and above
* 7,658 candidates scored between 300 and 319
* 73,441 candidates scored between 250 and 299
* 334,560 candidates scored between 200 and 249
* 983,187 candidates scored between 160 and 199
* 488,197 candidates scored between 140 and 159
* 57,419 candidates scored between 120 and 139
* 3,820 candidates scored between 100 and 119
* 2,031 candidates scored below 100
As the news spread, some affected candidates voiced their frustrations and have threatened legal action. Their concerns stem from a variety of issues, particularly the technical failures they encountered during the Computer-Based Test (CBT) exam at several centers. Many candidates believe these system failures directly impacted their scores and performance.
Additionally, there were numerous complaints regarding incomplete or missing questions, especially in subjects such as English, leading to further discontent among examinees. Another major issue raised by candidates was that the scores they received on their phones did not accurately reflect their actual performance, which led to an outcry on social media platforms.
In response to the mounting pressure and public outcry, JAMB released an official statement acknowledging the complaints and announcing plans to establish a panel to investigate the matter further. The board confirmed that errors had indeed occurred during the exam, and the Registrar hinted at the possibility of a retake for affected candidates as part of efforts to address th
e concerns raised.