By IDNN Education Correspondent
Abuja, Nigeria – 7 May 2025
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, says the sharp decline in performance in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is a direct outcome of tightened exam security.
According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), only about 420,000 of the 1.95 million candidates scored above 200 marks. This reflects a failure rate of more than 78 percent.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Alausa said the figures demonstrate that malpractice has been significantly curbed. He attributed the results to the effectiveness of computer-based testing, which JAMB now uses exclusively.
“That’s a big concern, and it’s a reflection of exams being done the proper way,” Alausa said.
The minister stated that similar reforms are being planned for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). He confirmed that both agencies will begin transitioning to computer-based formats starting in November 2025.
Full migration, including essay-based components, is expected by the 2026 examination cycle.
Alausa said examination malpractice continues to discourage academic effort. He stressed that leaked questions and fraudulent centres have eroded fairness and academic integrity in senior secondary school exams.
“We have to use technology to fight this fraud,” he said.
The Ministry of Education recently completed a diagnostic review of the national exam process. According to Alausa, the findings will inform further reforms across education systems.
The minister affirmed that the government remains committed to restoring transparency, encouraging merit, and removing systemic incentives for malpractice.
“We are determined to rebuild trust in our education system using technology and transparency,” the minister concluded.
