2025 UTME: JAMB Flags Low Scores Among Underage Candidates

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has shared fresh insights into the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), highlighting poor performance among underage candidates and addressing concerns about examination malpractice and absenteeism.

According to PM News, JAMB revealed that 40,247 underage students were granted special approval to participate in this year’s UTME due to their notable academic abilities. However, only 467 of them—representing just 1.16%—achieved scores that the board considers outstanding. These top-performing candidates will now go through three further stages of assessment to evaluate their academic potential more thoroughly.

On exam integrity, JAMB disclosed that 97 candidates have been confirmed to be involved in malpractice, while another 2,157 are still under investigation for similar offenses. The board also reported that 71,701 registered candidates failed to show up for the exams.

Addressing technical concerns, JAMB noted that candidates who faced issues with biometric verification are being reviewed. If cleared, they will be allowed to retake the test at designated special centers.

In addition, the results of some categories of candidates, including those classified as blind and others under the JEOG scheme, are still being finalized. JAMB assured that these scores will be released once all necessary assessments are complete.

The board added that a press briefing will be held later this week to officially release the results and provide instructions on how candidates can check their performance.