UTME Resit Boosts Performance: 200,000 More Candidates Score Above 200

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a significant improvement in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results following a resit exam for over 379,000 candidates affected by technical and human errors during the original tests.

In a statement released on Sunday, JAMB revealed that the resit, conducted across Lagos and South-East states, resulted in a notable shift in overall performance. Over 200,000 additional candidates surpassed the 200-mark threshold — raising the total number of high scorers to 565,988, or 29.3% of all candidates.

Previously, more than 1.5 million out of the 1.9 million UTME candidates had scored below 200, prompting public concern and a review by the Board. After thorough investigations, JAMB confirmed that server glitches and system failures during the first three days of the exam were responsible for widespread disruptions. Affected candidates were directed to retake the test.

Improved Performance Trends

The updated results show an encouraging performance trend. The number of candidates scoring 250 and above also increased to 117,373 (6.08%), up from 4.18% in 2024 and 3.73% in 2023. Additionally, JAMB noted that performance in the 2025 UTME is one of the best since the introduction of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format in 2013.

Year-on-year comparisons show steady gains:

2023: 355,689 candidates scored 200 and above (23.36%)

2024: 439,961 candidates (24%)

2025: 565,988 candidates (29.3%)

While performance improved, 1,365,479 candidates (70.7%) still scored below 200. However, this marks a decline from 76% in 2024 and 76.64% in 2023 — a sign of gradual progress.

Handling of Irregularities

JAMB also confirmed the release of results for over 41,000 underage candidates and others affected by technical issues. While the results of underage candidates who performed below standard were released as part of a healing process, they remain ineligible for admission due to prior agreements made during registration.

The Board disclosed that the resit process exposed several irregular practices involving candidates, school proprietors, and some CBT centres — prompting calls for stricter monitoring and reforms.

Looking Ahead

JAMB emphasized that the outcome of the resit has not only restored credibility to the 2025 UTME but also revealed the effectiveness of ongoing reforms. The full release of 1,931,467 results — surpassing the 2024 figure — also signals growing interest and participation in the UTME.

Further updates are expected as JAMB prepares to guide tertiary institutions on the 2025 admission process using the revised data.

Source News
Punch

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