JAMB to Review 2025 UTME Results Amid Complaints of Low Scores

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced its decision to review the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results following widespread complaints of unusually low scores. The announcement comes after a surge of discontent from candidates, parents, and stakeholders, prompting the examination body to initiate an expedited review process.

In a statement released on Monday, the board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, addressed the situation, stating that the review was necessitated by the significant volume of unusual complaints that poured in shortly after the results were made public on Friday. Benjamin noted that while JAMB conducts a standard post-examination review annually, the current outcry required a more immediate and thorough assessment.

“If it is determined that there were indeed glitches, we will implement appropriate remedial measures promptly, as we do in the case of the examinations themselves,” the board assured. This statement highlights JAMB’s commitment to transparency and fairness amid the growing controversy surrounding the 2025 UTME results.

The board acknowledged the rising frustration among candidates, especially in states where complaints were particularly high. JAMB confirmed that it is conducting a comprehensive investigation to identify and rectify any potential technical errors that may have affected the results. The review process will cover all critical stages of the UTME, including registration, examination administration, and result collation.

Social media has been buzzing with reactions under the trending hashtag #ThisIsNotMyResult, where thousands of candidates expressed disbelief and dissatisfaction with their scores. Many candidates who had consistently performed well academically reported unexpectedly low UTME scores, fueling public skepticism and demanding answers from the examination body. The hashtag quickly gained traction, with candidates sharing their grievances and calling for accountability.

JAMB has also noted that in cases where technical disruptions are confirmed during the examination period, it is standard practice to reschedule the exams for the affected candidates. To ensure the credibility and objectivity of the ongoing review, JAMB has enlisted the help of external experts, including members from the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria, Vice Chancellors of tertiary institutions, educational research networks, and measurement specialists. According to the board, this collaborative approach is designed to maintain transparency throughout the review process.

The controversy erupted when reports indicated that out of the 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the 2025 UTME, over 1.5 million scored below 200 out of a possible 400. The unusually high number of low scores raised eyebrows, especially as many candidates claimed to have been well-prepared for the examination. This unexpected outcome sparked a wave of reactions not only from candidates but also from educational stakeholders and parents, all of whom demanded clarity from JAMB.

While JAMB has reassured the public of its commitment to fairness, the situation has stirred significant debate regarding the integrity of the examination process. Critics have questioned whether technical flaws or administrative lapses could have led to the disappointing results. In response, JAMB has maintained that the review will be thorough and impartial, emphasizing that any discovered errors will be promptly corrected.

Educational experts have weighed in on the situation, with some suggesting that the issue might stem from glitches in the computerized marking system or challenges during data collation. Others have argued that the problem may lie in discrepancies during the examination’s digital upload processes. As the investigation continues, JAMB has urged candidates and the public to remain patient while the experts carry out their assessment.

The outcome of this review will have significant implications for the credibility of the UTME and the future of standardized testing in Nigeria. JAMB’s swift response to the public outcry reflects its awareness of the examination’s critical role in determining candidates’ entry into tertiary institutions. As the examination body continues its inquiry, the academic futures of thousands of students hang in the balance, awaiting the final verdict on whether their scores will be adjusted or validated.

For now, candidates are encouraged to stay updated through official JAMB channels and avoid speculative information from unverified sources. As the investigation unfolds, all eyes remain on JAMB to see how it will resolve this pressing issue that has captured nationwide attention.