2025 UTME Results: Over 1.5 Million Candidates Score Below 200

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board 

Lagos, Nigeria – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, revealing a concerning performance trend. 

Out of 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the exam, a staggering 1.5 million scored below 200, while only 420,415 (21.5%) achieved scores above 200.  

75% of candidates scored below 200**, raising concerns about academic preparedness.  

Less than 1% scored above 300, highlighting the exam’s competitiveness.  

40,247 underage candidates were allowed to sit for the exam, but only 467 (1.16%) met the threshold for "exceptional ability."  

97 candidates were caught in exam malpractice, while 2,157 are under investigation.  

71,701 candidates were absent, and biometric verification issues are still being resolved.  

In an official statement, JAMB confirmed that results for blind candidates and others in special categories are still being processed. The board also announced that a press conference will be held later this week to enable candidates to check their results officially.  

With such a high percentage of low scores, competition for limited university slots will be intense. Experts urge candidates to explore alternative pathways, including **polytechnics, colleges of education, and vocational training programs**, while calling for systemic improvements in secondary education.