JAMB says over 75% of 2025 UTME candidates scored below 200

More than 1.5 million candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scored below 200, according to data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday.

The data, published on JAMB’s official channels, revealed that out of the 1,955,059 candidates who took part in the annual exam, only 420,415 surpassed the 200 mark.

This represents just over 21 per cent of the total figure.

A total of 1,534,654 scored less than 200, out of a total achievable score of 400.

This represents 78.49 per cent of the total candidates who sat for the exam.

The statistics further revealed that fewer than 1 per cent of candidates scored above 300.

In a statement accompanying the breakdown, JAMB disclosed that 40,247 underage candidates were allowed to participate in the exam under a special dispensation for those with exceptional abilities.

It said only 467 of them, approximately 1.16 per cent, attained scores that met the board’s benchmark for extraordinary performance.

Their progression, it said, will depend on outcomes from three subsequent evaluation stages.

JAMB also reported that 71,701 registered candidates were absent from the examination.

It said 97 were found to have committed various infractions.

An additional 2,157 candidates, the board added, are under investigation for suspected malpractice.

The board said results for candidates with biometric issues are being reviewed, and those cleared will be rescheduled for another test.

It added that results for blind candidates and others under the JEOG category are still undergoing processing.

JAMB said a press briefing to announce how candidates can access their results is expected later this week.

See the full analysis below.