There’s a Record Number of High scorers 250+ Says Jamb
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released data showing trends in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results since the switch to the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format in 2013. The report indicates that in 2025, more candidates scored 250 and above than in any previous year during this period.
The data shows that out of 1,931,467 candidates who sat for the 2025 exam, 17,025 students, representing 0.88 per cent, scored 300 or more. Additionally, 117,373 candidates, or 6.08 per cent, scored between 250 and 299. Together, this makes a total of 134,398 candidates scoring 250 and above, which is an increase from the previous highest figure of 77,070 candidates (4.18 per cent) in 2024.
The breakdown further indicates that 565,988 students, or 29.3 per cent, scored between 200 and 249, while 1,365,479 candidates, accounting for 70.7 per cent, scored below 200. Historical data from 2013 to 2024 shows variations in the percentage of candidates scoring 250 and above, with 2019 recording 61,356 (3.35 per cent) and 2014 only 4,380 (0.27 per cent).
Separately, JAMB announced the results of the rescheduled 2025 UTME held for candidates affected by technical issues in Lagos and the South-East states. Of the 379,000 affected candidates, 336,845 participated in the resit, while 21,082 were absent. The board has offered these absent candidates the opportunity to sit in a mop-up examination to be scheduled.
In a statement, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, said, “This waiver is also extended to the candidates who, for whatever reason, missed the initial main UTME.” The board also reported the arrest of several individuals involved in examination fraud, identifying over 3,000 candidates as accomplices or beneficiaries.
Despite these challenges, JAMB stated that performance analysis remains consistent with results from previous years, ranging between 11 percent in 2013 and 34 percent in 2016. The board noted that examination irregularities have been exacerbated by certain candidates, school proprietors, and CBT centre operators.
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Following the resit examination, JAMB convened a meeting of Chief External Examiners (CEEs) across the country to review the results. The meeting, chaired by Prof. Olufemi Peters, Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University and CEE for the FCT, included expert analysis from psychometrician Prof. Boniface Nworgu to validate the results.
The meeting resolved to release withheld results of underage candidates, except where litigation applies, clarifying that such candidates are not eligible for admission unless they meet established standards. Additionally, the board decided to release results for candidates involved in misconduct, such as “WhatsApp Runs”, but warned that this does not endorse their actions.
JAMB condemned malpractice involving some CBT centres and resolved to blacklist implicated centres and prosecute complicit owners. The board also urged government authorities to regulate and monitor tutorial centres, highlighting their role in facilitating examination malpractice.
The meeting acknowledged the progress made through Computer-Based Testing in reducing examination fraud and called for improvements in the accreditation process of CBT centres and registration procedures, suggesting the engagement of reputable management consultants.
JAMB further expressed regret over attempts to politicise the incident with tribal and sectional narratives, emphasising that the issues were not targeted at any particular group. The board commended its Registrar and management for their handling of the situation and urged them to remain steadfast.
