Board reveals shocking performance gaps as 75% of 2025 candidates scored below 200
By IDNN Education Desk
Out of over 40,000 underage candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), only 467 students — 1.16% — were classified as exceptionally brilliant, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed.
This figure is based on a broader pool of 1,955,069 processed results, according to an official statement posted on JAMB’s verified X handle, @JAMBHQ, on Monday.
While JAMB had allowed under-16 students to showcase their brilliance through its Exceptionally Brilliant Window, their low top-tier performance raises critical questions about Nigeria’s early education standards.
“Their performance in the subsequent three stages is still pending,” JAMB noted, indicating the full evaluation process is ongoing.
National Snapshot — Over 75% Score Below 200
A deeper breakdown of the 2025 UTME results reveals a stark reality: Over 75% of all candidates scored below 200, the traditional benchmark for admission into competitive courses and universities.
Key stats:
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Only 0.63% (12,414 candidates) scored 300 and above
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3.76% scored between 250–299
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17.11% scored between 200–249
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A whopping 50.29% (983,187 candidates) fell into the 160–199 range
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24.97% scored between 140–159
“This confirms a trend of average performance dominating national academic outcomes,” the board stated.
JAMB had earlier warned against over-reliance on test scores as the sole indicator of brilliance, urging policymakers to focus on foundational curriculum reform.
Absenteeism, Malpractice, and Biometric Gaps
The board also flagged worrying trends in examination discipline:
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97 candidates were caught in exam infractions
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2,157 others are under investigation for suspected malpractice
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71,701 candidates were absent
Biometric verification challenges continue to plague the process. Candidates affected are currently undergoing screening, and rescheduling is planned for those cleared.
“Some results — including blind candidates and the JEOG category — are still being processed,” JAMB stated.
A nationwide press conference has been scheduled where access to individual result portals will be activated and further statistics released.
H3: Early Genius Policy — Still Worth It?
In 2024, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede announced a special policy allowing exceptionally bright candidates under 16 years old to register for UTME. But this latest data throws up concerns about its long-term viability.
While the policy aims to reward brilliance over age barriers, critics argue it could expose younger candidates to undue academic pressure without structural academic support.
