The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is set to host a high-level review meeting tomorrow in response to growing concerns over the recently released 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results.
The emergency session, scheduled for Thursday in Abuja, will bring together key educational stakeholders including university vice-chancellors, polytechnic rectors, college provosts, secondary school principals, examination assessors, and technical specialists. According to an official communication obtained by our correspondents, the gathering aims to thoroughly evaluate both the examination process and address widespread criticism from examinees and their families.
“The Board remains dedicated to maintaining public trust in its assessment procedures,” stated the official notice, which emphasized the importance of stakeholder participation in the comprehensive review process.
Performance Statistics Reveal Concerning Trends
The extraordinary review comes on the heels of last Friday’s results announcement that has sparked demonstrations across multiple states. Of nearly two million candidates (1,955,069) who participated in this year’s UTME, the performance distribution has raised significant concerns:
Only 4,756 candidates (0.24%) achieved scores of 320 and above
Just 7,658 candidates (0.39%) scored between 300-319
Approximately 73,441 examinees (3.76%) earned between 250-299
About 334,560 students (17.11%) scored between 200-249
The majority—983,187 candidates (50.29%)—fell within the 160-199 range
Nearly 488,197 test-takers (24.97%) scored between 140-159
Lower brackets included 57,419 candidates (2.94%) with 120-139 scores
Only 3,820 examinees (0.20%) scored between 100-119
Just 2,031 students (0.10%) received scores below 100
The statistics reveal that less than 1% of candidates (specifically 0.63%) achieved scores exceeding 300 points, while more than three-quarters of test-takers failed to reach the 200-point threshold in the 400-point examination.
Technical Issues Under Investigation Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s communications director, acknowledged on Monday that the board has received “exceptional complaints” concentrated in specific states, prompting a detailed investigation into potential technical failures during the examination.
“We are meticulously examining reports from certain regions that have registered an unusual volume of grievances,” Benjamin explained. “Our technical teams are currently analyzing these issues to identify and resolve any systemic problems that may have affected candidate performance.”
The spokesman further revealed that while JAMB typically conducts its comprehensive assessment several months after examinations conclude, this year’s review has been expedited due to the unprecedented level of public outcry.
Benjamin reassured affected candidates that those who experienced verifiable technical difficulties during their examination would be granted an opportunity to retake the test, in accordance with established JAMB protocols.
The upcoming review meeting represents a critical step in addressing mounting questions about assessment integrity, technological reliability, and overall fairness in Nigeria’s most important university entrance
