The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) announced in May 2025 that a record number of candidates scored above 300 in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), reflecting an improvement in student performance and the effectiveness of recent educational reforms.
Out of the 1.8 million candidates who sat for the exam, approximately 8% (144,000) scored 300 or higher (out of 400), a significant increase from the 5% recorded in 2024. The results, released on May 9, 2025, also showed that over 1.2 million candidates scored above 200, with the overall pass rate rising to 78%, compared to 74% the previous year.
JAMB attributed the improved performance to enhanced preparation, including the introduction of free online mock exams, partnerships with educational NGOs, and stricter measures against exam malpractice. The 2025 UTME, conducted across 700 computer-based testing centers, saw a reduction in reported irregularities, with only 315,763 candidates required to take a resit exam due to technical issues or suspected cheating. The highest scorer, a female candidate from Ogun State, achieved a score of 367, earning widespread praise and a scholarship from a private university. The results have sparked optimism about Nigeria’s education system, with JAMB’s registrar emphasizing the role of technology in ensuring transparency and fairness.
However, the announcement has been tempered by concerns over access to tertiary institutions, as high scores do not guarantee admission due to limited university spaces. Education stakeholders have called for increased funding to expand capacity and address disparities in access, particularly for rural candidates. The results have also intensified debates about the UTME’s relevance, with some advocating for alternative admission pathways. JAMB has pledged to continue improving its processes, including plans to fully digitize result verification by 2026, as Nigeria seeks to align its education system with global standards.
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