Mass Failure in 2025 UTME Prompts JAMB Review Amid Widespread Complaints and Technical Glitches
Abuja, May 13, 2025 – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has ordered an urgent and comprehensive review of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results following an unprecedented mass failure and a surge of complaints from candidates nationwide. Over 1.5 million of the approximately 1.9 million candidates who sat the exam scored below 200 out of a possible 400 marks, marking one of the lowest performances in recent years and sparking public outrage.
Alarming Failure Rate and Public Outcry
Statistical data revealed that more than 78 percent of candidates failed to meet the minimum benchmark, with less than 1% scoring above 300. The results release triggered a wave of protests on social media, with thousands of candidates using the hashtag #ThisIsNotMyResult to express dissatisfaction, claiming their scores did not reflect their actual performance.
Many candidates reported experiencing technical difficulties during the exam, including system crashes, freezing screens, incomplete or missing questions, and inconsistent question displays at various Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers. These glitches, they say, severely disrupted their ability to complete the exam effectively.
Legal Threats and Demand for Transparency
A law firm representing over 1.5 million candidates has demanded that JAMB release detailed exam questions and answers to verify the integrity of the results. Thousands of candidates are reportedly preparing to file a class-action lawsuit against JAMB, demanding transparency and a fair review process.
JAMB’s Response and Review Measures
In response to the unusual volume of complaints, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor Fabian Benjamin announced that the board is fast-tracking its annual post-examination review, which typically occurs months after the exam. This expedited review will cover all stages of the UTME process-registration, examination, and result release-to identify and rectify any flaws or technical issues.
JAMB has engaged external experts, including members of the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria, university vice chancellors, chief external examiners, and educational assessment specialists to assist in the investigation.
Benjamin assured that if any glitches are confirmed, appropriate remedial actions-including rescheduling affected candidates-will be implemented promptly.
Examination Malpractice and Withheld Results
JAMB also revealed that results for 39,834 candidates were withheld due to suspected examination malpractice. About 2,157 candidates are under investigation for biometric and registration infractions. The board emphasized its commitment to maintaining examination integrity and noted that fingerprint rejections and identity fraud cases were higher than previous years.
Government’s Position
Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa attributed the high failure rate partly to the government’s strengthened anti-malpractice measures and the integrity of the computer-based testing system. He noted that the elimination of cheating has led to more accurate reflection of candidates’ abilities, contrasting with traditional paper-based exams like WAEC and NECO.
Impact on Education Sector
The mass failure has raised serious concerns about the quality of education, preparedness of candidates for tertiary education, and systemic issues within Nigeria’s educational framework. Stakeholders are calling for urgent reforms to improve teaching standards, infrastructure, and examination administration.
