The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results are the best recorded in the previous 13 years. This comes after a tumultuous exam season marred by technical glitches and serious allegations of examination malpractice.
2025 UTME Results Break 13-Year Record for High Scores
According to official data released by JAMB:
- 17,025 candidates (0.88%) scored 300 and above in 2025, the highest since the computer-based test (CBT) format was introduced in 2013.
- In comparison, only 8,401 candidates (0.46%) scored 300+ in 2024, while 5,318 candidates (0.35%) reached this mark in 2023.
Performance also improved significantly across other scoring bands:
- 250 and above:
- 2025: 117,373 (6.08%)
- 2024: 77,070 (4.18%)
- 2023: 56,736 (3.73%)
- 200 and above:
- 2025: 565,988 (29.3%)
- 2024: 439,961 (24%)
- 2023: 355,689 (23.36%)
Resit Exams Conducted After Technical Failures
Despite the improved results, JAMB was forced to organise resit exams after widespread technical disruptions impacted several Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres. These issues were primarily concentrated in these areas:
- Lagos Operational Zone: 206,610 affected candidates across 65 centres
- Owerri Operational Zone: 173,387 candidates affected in 92 centres
In total, 379,997 candidates were affected by examination content omissions and system failures, prompting JAMB to reschedule tests and ensure fairness.
JAMB Flags Advanced UTME Exam Malpractices in 2025
While celebrating the results, JAMB also revealed sophisticated fraud techniques used during the 2025 UTME, prompting the withdrawal of results for over 3,000 candidates.
Key findings include:
- Network Hacking: Some accredited centres allegedly hacked local servers to control candidates’ screens and submit answers remotely.
- AI-enabled Impersonation: Fraudsters used photo-blending and biometric spoofing to impersonate candidates.
- Fingerprint Mixing: Registration fraud included the combination of multiple individuals’ fingerprints.
- LAN Extension to Offsite Locations: Examination answers were generated offsite and transmitted illegally.
- Mercenary Pairing: Undergraduates and professional exam takers were paired with real candidates to take the exams on their behalf.
JAMB stated that sitting arrangements were deliberately disrupted to enable these fraudulent pairings.
What You Should Know About the 2025 UTME
- Record-breaking performance: The highest number of candidates scored 200+ since 2013.
- Technical problems: JAMB acknowledged errors in question delivery systems and rescheduled exams for affected candidates.
- Widespread fraud: JAMB uncovered a disturbing trend involving university undergraduates aiding impersonation and remote cheating.
Despite these issues, JAMB affirms its commitment to maintaining examination integrity and enhancing digital infrastructure for future tests.
While JAMB 2025 results mark a significant academic milestone with record performance, the revelations around malpractice and system failures show a pressing need for continued reforms. JAMB is expected to implement stricter security protocols and improved CBT infrastructure in future exams.
