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Mass failure: JAMB, VCs to review UTME results Thursday

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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board will on Thursday review the results of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination following what it described as “unusual” public complaints.

A notice seen by The PUNCH in Abuja confirmed that the review meeting would bring together vice-chancellors, provosts, rectors, school principals, examiners, and technical experts to scrutinise the examination process and address the widespread dissatisfaction expressed by candidates and stakeholders.

This development comes in the wake of mounting protests from candidates and parents over the results released last Friday, with many alleging technical glitches and inconsistencies during the exam.

According to the official notice, the review panel, which includes members from the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria, the Educational Assessment and Research Network, and top officials from Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, will evaluate the conduct and outcome of the 2025 UTME.

“In furtherance of the commitment of the board to earn public confidence in its processes, the management of the board has approved your participation to be part of the review panel constituted to appraise the conduct of the examination with the mandate to identify challenges, if any, and proffer relevant recommendations to prevent a recurrence,” the notice reads in part.

It added that the panel’s assignment will be at no cost to the board.

The UTME is a critical prerequisite for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. It tests candidates in four subjects, including the compulsory Use of English, with the other three drawn from their proposed field of study.

Of the 1.9 million candidates who sat the UTME, over 1.5 million reportedly scored below 200 out of the maximum 400 marks, raising concerns across the education sector.

According to the examination agency, a total of 1,955,069 results were processed, out of which only 4,756 candidates (0.24 per cent) scored 320 and above, considered top-tier performance, while 7,658 candidates (0.39 per cent) scored between 300 and 319, bringing the total for those who scored 300 and above to 12,414 candidates (0.63 per cent).

Also, 73,441 candidates (3.76 per cent) scored between 250 and 299 while 334,560 candidates (17.11 per cent) scored between 200 and 249.

A total of 983,187 candidates (50.29 per cent) scored between 160 and 199, which is widely regarded as the minimum threshold for admissions in many institutions.

In the same vein, 488,197 candidates (24.97 per cent) scored between 140 and 159, 57,419 candidates (2.94 per cent) scored between 120 and 139, 3,820 candidates (0.20 per cent) scored between 100 and 119, and 2,031 candidates (0.10 per cent) scored below 100.

Over 75 per cent of all candidates (1.5 million) scored below 200, average score seeing as the examination is graded over 400.

Some affected candidates threatened to initiate a lawsuit against JAMB.

Responding to the controversy, JAMB’s spokesman, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, on Monday said the board was accelerating its annual post-examination system review, which typically assesses the registration, examination, and result phases months after the exercise.

“We are particularly concerned about the unusual complaints originating from a few states within the federation,” Benjamin stated.

“We are currently scrutinising these complaints in detail to identify and rectify any potential technical issues.

”According to the statement, the board is scrutinising these complaints in detail to identify and rectify potential technical issues.

JAMB said the annual review encompasses three key stages: registration, examination, and result release.

It explained that during the examination, JAMB ensures that every candidate is afforded the opportunity to sit the test, and should any technical issues arise, the board reschedules the examination for affected candidates.

JAMB said experts have been engaged to assist in the review.

The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, while reacting to the results said that the performance statistics for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination are in line with results recorded over the past 12 years.

He emphasised, however, that such results are not unusual and align with historical patterns.

“This is not peculiar to this year. The performance statistics are consistent with those of the last 12 years,” he said.

In 2024, 76 per cent of candidates who sat the UTME scored less than 200 points.

In 2022, 1.3 million candidates out of 1.7 million – or 78 per cent – who sat the 2022 UTME scored below 200, according to JAMB.

In 2021, only 803 candidates out of 1.3 million – or 0.06 per cent – who sat the 2021 UTME scored above 300.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, while also reacting to the results, said the high failure rate in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination was clear evidence that the government’s anti-malpractice measures were yielding results, especially within the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board system.

Meanwhile, the JAMB board assured that any candidate affected by technical disruptions during the examination would be given another opportunity to write the test, in line with its established procedures.

Commenting on the performance outcome, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, maintained that the results reflect the federal government’s strengthened efforts to combat examination malpractice and ensure integrity in the admissions process.

But candidates and parents have continued to allege discrepancies in the released results with some calling on the Board to release the modalities with which it scored each candidate.

Some candidates have rejected their results, insisting they do not reflect their actual performance.

A group of candidates, numbering over 8,000, reportedly submitted complaints regarding technical glitches experienced during the examination.

A social media user, @Pennyfabz, who scored 156 expressed concerns, saying she had previously scored 285 in the previous edition of the UTME.

“Dear @JAMBHQ, Something is wrong with my result. I’m very confident that this is not what I’m meant to get. Please look into this matter. I’m seriously comforting myself that everything is okay.

Please listen to our plea. I can’t go from 285 to 156,” the candidate posted on X.A parent also called for a review, saying, “We demand a remark from JAMB. These are exceptional students scoring below 200.

Many complained of incomplete questions and other technical issues. JAMB has said nothing. This cannot be swept under the rug.

”Meanwhile, it was not all about protests against the results as history was made with Afolabi Ayodeji, a 15-year-old student from Icons Comprehensive College in Ijapo Estate, Akure, Ondo State, scored 370 out of 400 maximum marks obtainable, setting a landmark record in the 2025 UTME result.

A breakdown of his scores, according to JAMB, indicates: Mathematics — 98, Physics — 98, Chemistry — 94 and Use of English — 80, highlighting his exceptional grasp of both the sciences and language subjects.

Ayodeji’s 370 score is the highest recorded in over a decade, marking a noteworthy milestone in Nigeria’s education sector in over a decade.

According to data from JAMB, no individual has attained a score of 370 since the inception of the board’s computer-based test in 2013, making his feat the highest in this era.

“I didn’t set out to break any record; I just wanted to give my best. I thank God, my parents, and my teachers for believing in me,” Ayodeji said after his feat.

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Kogi Govt Commends Progress of ACReSAL Project

The Commissioner for Water Resources and Co-Chairman of the SSC, Engr. Farouk Danladi, expressed delight over the achievements recorded within a relatively short time, particularly in Kabba, Ankpa, and Okene

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The Kogi State Government has expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project following a comprehensive 3-day inspection tour across various intervention sites in the state.

The inspection, led by the Commissioner for Environment and Ecological Management, Engr. Oluwasegun Joseph, who also chairs the State Steering Committee (SSC), covered project locations in Okene, Ankpa, and Kabba/Bunu Local Government Areas. The team included members of both the State Steering and Technical Committees.

Among the inspected sites were key interventions such as gully erosion control locations, water harvesting systems, Community Resilience Facilities (CRF), and agro-forestry zones.

The inspection team applauded the quality of work on ground, citing strict compliance with set standards and commendable pace of implementation.

Engr. Oluwasegun Joseph noted that the Governor Ododo ‘s administration remains committed to improving livelihoods and building climate resilience among communities in Kogi State.

The State Government is dedicated to improving the lives of our people, and this project is a testament to that commitment,” he stated.

Also, the Commissioner for Water Resources and Co-Chairman of the SSC, Engr. Farouk Danladi, expressed delight over the achievements recorded within a relatively short time, particularly in Kabba, Ankpa, and Okene.

He noted that the project’s progress has exceeded expectations, describing it as a model for integrated development.

Project Coordinator of Kogi ACReSAL, Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jatto, thanked Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering support, which she described as a driving force behind the project’s success so far.

She also appreciated the World Bank and national ACReSAL teams for their technical guidance and encouragement.

“The core objectives of ACReSAL are land restoration, livelihood enhancement, and boosting food security,” Jatto explained.

“These goals are being met progressively in Kogi State, thanks to strong institutional support.”

The inspection exercise highlights the State Government’s focus on rigorous monitoring and evaluation of projects, ensuring transparency, impact, and value delivery.

Project Coordinator of Kogi ACReSAL, Barrister Ladi Ahmed Jatto, thanked Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his unwavering support, which she described as a driving force behind the project’s success so far.

ACReSAL’s efforts are expected to significantly bolster Kogi’s climate adaptation capacity, improve agricultural productivity, and entrench sustainable land management practices.

As implementation continues, stakeholders express optimism that the project will catalyze long-term socio-economic and environmental benefits for communities across the state.

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Kogi Govt Trains 2,310 Youths in CNG Conversion to Boost Economy, Tackle Unemployment

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The Kogi State Government has commenced the training of 2,310 young people across the 21 Local Government Areas of the state in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) conversion technology.

This ccomes in a major push to fulfill its campaign promise of youth empowerment and economic diversification.

The initiative, carried out in partnership with Sufpay Ltd, is designed to equip Kogi youths with cutting-edge skills that align with Nigeria’s national embrace of cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

Speaking in Lokoja, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, described the programme as a bold and strategic move to position the state for the emerging energy revolution.

“This is about creating a new generation of skilled professionals who can compete and contribute meaningfully in the evolving energy sector. CNG is the future, and we are proud to be preparing our youths for it,” Fanwo said.

He emphasized that the initiative will not only strengthen the local economy but also serve as a non-kinetic strategy in addressing insecurity by productively engaging the youth population.

“Our Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, made a clear commitment to youth empowerment, and this programme is a clear demonstration of that commitment.

We are building development around our youth because they are the greatest asset of our state,” he added.

Fanwo also extended appreciation to Sufpay Ltd, noting that the company’s dedication and technical expertise have been instrumental in driving the vision forward.

The training initiative aligns with broader national efforts to transition to alternative fuel sources and reduce dependence on petrol, while simultaneously tackling unemployment through technical empowerment.

The training is also decentralized so that the youth can learn in their familiar environments. The training centers are Lokoja, Okene, Idah and Kabba.

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NJC retires 10 judges for lying about their age

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The National Judicial Council (NJC) has compulsorily retired 10 judges in Imo State for age falsification and other unethical practices.

In a statement issued on Thursday after its 109th meeting and presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the Council said the affected judges—five from the High Court and four from the Customary Court of Appeal—altered their dates of birth in official records to illegally extend their tenure.

The affected High Court judges are Justices M.E. Nwagboso, B.C. Iheka, K.A. Leaweanya, Chinyere Ngozi Okereke, and Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi.

Those from the Customary Court of Appeal include Justices Tennyson Nze, Uchenna Ofoha, Everyman Eleanya, and Rosemond Ibe.Also , Hon. Justice T.N. Nzeukwu was compulsorily retired for submitting himself for appointment as acting Chief Judge of Imo State, despite being fourth in seniority—a violation of Section 271(4) of the 1999 Constitution.

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