Out of 40,247 underage candidates who participated in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), only 467—just 1.16%—scored high enough to be classified as exceptionally gifted, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed.
This data comes from the 1,955,069 results processed for the 2025 UTME, according to a statement posted by JAMB on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, @JAMBHQ, on Monday.
JAMB noted that while these underage candidates were allowed to showcase their academic potential, their full assessment is ongoing. “Their performance in the subsequent three stages is still pending,” the board stated, referring to further evaluation criteria under the Exceptionally Brilliant Candidates scheme.
Widespread Absenteeism and Examination Misconduct
JAMB also raised alarms over widespread irregularities during the exam. A total of 97 candidates were caught engaging in examination infractions, while 2,157 are under investigation for suspected malpractices.
Additionally, 71,701 candidates failed to show up for the exam, though JAMB did not provide reasons for their absence.
Biometric verification issues, a recurring challenge in recent years, also resurfaced. Candidates affected are currently under review, and those cleared will be rescheduled to take the exam at designated centres.
Some results, including those of blind candidates and others in the JEOG category, are still being processed. A press conference has been scheduled to provide further updates and announce the opening of result-checking portals.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, had previously stated that exceptionally brilliant candidates under the age of 16 are eligible to sit for the UTME through a special window.
2025 UTME Performance Breakdown
The general performance data shows a significant portion of candidates scored below the 200 mark—a typical benchmark for many university admissions. Highlights include:
- Scores of 300 and above:
- 4,756 candidates (0.24%) scored 320 and above.
- 7,658 (0.39%) scored between 300–319.
- Total scoring 300+: 12,414 candidates (0.63%).
- Scores between 200–299:
- 73,441 (3.76%) scored between 250–299.
- 334,560 (17.11%) scored between 200–249.
- Scores below 200:
- 983,187 (50.29%) scored between 160–199.
- 488,197 (24.97%) scored between 140–159.
- 57,419 (2.94%) scored between 120–139.
- 3,820 (0.20%) scored between 100–119.
- 2,031 (0.10%) scored below 100.
