The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has highlighted a remarkable upward trend in top Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) performances over the past 14 years, with peak scores rising from 299 in the early 2010s to a record 374 (and claims up to 375) in recent cycles.

This progression reflects improving preparation, better access to resources, and the competitive drive among Nigerian students aspiring for tertiary education, particularly in high-demand fields like Medicine, Engineering, and Sciences.

Key Highlights Across the Years:

• 2013 & 2014: The highest scores stood at 299, achieved by Olise Israel Chukwunalu (2013) and Onomejoh Princewill (2014). These marked the baseline in the early CBT era.
• 2015: Ilukwe Lottachukwu Geraldine led with 332.
• 2016: A tie at 359 between Akenbor Adesuwa Osarugue and Anonye Victory Emenike.
• 2017: Akingbulugbe Precious Ayomide scored 353.
• 2018: Galadima Israel Zakari topped with 364.
• 2019: Ezeunala Ekene Franklin achieved 347.
• 2020: Maduafokwa Egoagwuagwu Agnes set a strong benchmark with 365.
• 2021: Monwuba Chibuzo Chibuikem scored 358.
• 2022: Adebayo Eyimofe Oluwatofunmi reached 362.
• 2023: Umeh Kamsiyochukwu Nkechinyere posted 360.
• 2024: A three-way tie at 367 — Olowu Joseph Oluwasijibomi, Alayande David, and Orukpe Joel Ehijele.
• 2025: JAMB reported the highest score in over a decade at 374 (with one unconfirmed or later-adjusted claim of 375 by Okeke Chinedu Christian; other top performers included scores of 374 and 373).
• 2026: Owoeye Daniella Jesudunsin (also referred to as Owoeye Jesudunsin), an Ekiti State indigene who sat the exam in Ogun State, emerged as the top scorer with 372. She aims to study Medicine and Surgery at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede has repeatedly noted these high performances even amid broader challenges like result glitches in some years, crediting dedicated candidates and improved study tools.

Trends and Context

Top scorers frequently target competitive courses such as Medicine and various Engineering disciplines at institutions like UNILAG. Many top performers come from strong tutorial centers and demonstrate exceptional subject mastery, often scoring 90+ in core sciences.

While the absolute highest has climbed significantly since 2013, JAMB continues to emphasize that UTME is just one factor in admission, alongside O’Level results and other criteria.

These outstanding achievements continue to inspire millions of Nigerian students, proving that excellence in UTME remains attainable with determination and proper preparation. As the examination evolves, future candidates are expected to push the boundaries even further.

The federal government has officially handed over the construction of a brand-new Carter Bridge in Lagos to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Lagos, the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, said that the decision to reconstruct the bridge became necessary after years of alarming structural investigations revealed worsening defects beneath both the Carter Bridge and the 3rd Mainland Bridge.

According to the minister, investigations into the underwater structural elements of the bridges began as far back as 2013, with another assessment carried out in 2019.

The reports, he said, showed that the defects were increasing at what experts described as “geometrical progression.”

Experts, according to him, advised that repairing the Carter Bridge would cost almost twice the amount required to build a completely new structure. Following detailed technical analysis, the federal government, he said, approved the construction of a new modern bridge.

The Federal High Court has unveiled a new nationwide posting schedule affecting recently appointed Judges and some serving judicial officers, as part of efforts to strengthen the administration of justice across its divisions.

The redeployment, approved by the Chief Judge of the Court, Hon. Justice John Tsoho, followed recommendations made by the National Judicial Council, and was formally announced in a statement issued in Abuja by the Court’s Director of Information, Catherine-Oby Christopher.

All the affected Judges are expected to resume at their respective duty stations on May 13, following the recent appointment of 14 new Judges, and the transfer of three serving Judges to different divisions of the court.

Under the new arrangement, Justices Salim Olasupo Ibrahim and Onah Chigozie Sergius were assigned to the Abuja Division, while Justice Hassan Dikko was posted to the Gusau Division in Zamfara State, and Justice Sulaiman Amida Hassan to the Osogbo Division in Osun State.

Other appointments include Justice Muhammad Saidu to Minna, Justice Igboko Conchita to Akure, Justice Onuegbu Angela to Yenagoa and Justice Galumje Edingah to Abakaliki, alongside Justice Ibrahim Eneabo who will serve in the Gombe Division.

The posting schedule also deployed Justice Abubakar Usman to Ado-Ekiti, Justice Salihu Yunusa to Damaturu, Justice Ikpeme Bassey to Uyo, Justice Shehu Adamu to Maiduguri, and Justice Mohammed Buba to the Dutse Division in Jigawa State.

Also affected by the reshuffle are Justice Binjin-Eigegbe Nendelmum Judith, posted to Lokoja, while Justices Usoro Uduak and Nwoye Osinachi Donatus were assigned to the Lagos Division, with the Court confirming that the new postings take immediate effect.