The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), on the 5th of May 2025 released the detailed performance report of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), revealing that over 1.5 million candidates scored below the 200 minimum admissible benchmark for university admission in Nigeria.
The results have sparked concerns as most universities and competitive courses require a score of 200 and above for admission, despite the national cut-off mark being set at 140.
According to the performance breakdown of the 1,955,069 results released, only 420,415 candidates scored above 200, while just 12,414 candidates—representing 0.63%—attained 300 and above, ranking them among the top performers in this year’s examination.
Further details show that 983,187 candidates (50.29%) obtained scores between 160 and 199, while 488,197 (24.97%) scored within the 140–159 range. Additionally, 57,419 candidates (2.94%) earned scores between 120 and 139. At the lower end, 3,820 candidates (0.20%) scored within the 100–119 bracket, and 2,031 (0.10%) scored below 100.
Among the highest scorers, 4,756 candidates achieved scores of 320 and above, while 7,658 candidates fell within the 300–319 range. Moreover, 73,441 candidates (3.76%) scored between 250 and 299, and 334,560 (17.11%) obtained marks between 200 and 249.
JAMB also implemented a special policy allowing underage candidates below 16 years old—typically ineligible for admission—to sit the UTME as a means of showcasing academic excellence.
In total, 40,247 underage candidates were permitted to take part in the exam.
However, only 467 of them (1.16%) scored marks that met the criteria for exceptional ability, though their results in subsequent evaluation stages are still pending.
Overall, more than 75% of candidates scored below 200, while less than 1% crossed the 300 mark. The majority of results clustered within the 160–199 range. Although the national minimum admissible mark has remained at 180 in recent years, this does not guarantee admission, as universities set their own requirements. Candidates scoring 160 and below may find it challenging to secure admission or gain entry into their preferred courses.
Reacting to the report, the principal of Voyage International Schools Ayogboka Kayode , described the 2025 UTME performance statistics as alarming. He highlighted the fact that over 75% of candidates scored below 200 and more than 50% fell within the 160–199 range, indicating a widespread underperformance.
He attributed the low scores to several factors, including weak foundational education at the primary and secondary levels—especially in core subjects—reliance on last-minute preparation rather than sustained academic engagement, and a lack of in-depth understanding. Other causes identified include poor teacher training and low motivation, which result in ineffective classroom delivery, a declining reading culture, limited access to quality academic resources, exam-related anxiety, and lack of familiarity with the Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format.
To improve the situation, he recommended a comprehensive curriculum review that prioritizes analytical and application-based learning over rote memorization.
He also suggested teacher retraining focused on interactive, student-centered approaches, reintroducing reading and writing contests to revive reading culture, and integrating ICT tools in schools, including routine CBT mock examinations.
Additionally, he emphasized the importance of strong parental and community involvement in students’ education and called for collaboration between public and private sectors in funding and driving educational reforms.
