The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially announced the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, but not without controversy. A staggering 39,834 candidates have had their results withheld due to suspected examination malpractices, raising concerns about the integrity of the examination process.
During a press conference held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at JAMB headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that around 80 individuals are currently under investigation for various exam-related offenses. Anambra State has emerged as the state with the highest number of suspects, accounting for 14 of the cases.
In addition to the alarming figures of withheld results, Oloyede shared that the examination process faced significant challenges, particularly concerning biometric verification. A total of 2,157 candidates were unable to sit for the exam because their biometric authentication failed. This situation is currently under investigation, and the board plans to reschedule examinations for those found not at fault.
Oloyede noted that out of the 2,030,862 candidates who registered for the 2025 UTME, 1,957,000 were successfully verified, while 71,705 candidates were absent on the exam day. The registrar emphasized that the biometric authentication system is being scrutinized, especially regarding the impact of impersonation during the examination.
"This failure was beyond the acceptable normal margin of failure," Oloyede explained. He also pointed out that many candidates whose fingerprints were not recognized had registration infractions that need to be addressed individually.
Interestingly, the 2025 UTME statistics revealed that among the 41,027 underage candidates who registered, 40,260 actually sat for the examination. Out of these, 467 met the prescribed minimum score, while 50 were found to have engaged in cheating. The results for 1,911,551 candidates have been released, bringing the total available results to 1,951,811.
The registrar praised the overall reduction in examination infractions, stating that while there is still much work to be done, the innovative measures introduced by the board are proving effective. He expressed hope that the ongoing investigations would lead to further improvements in the examination process.
As the board continues to navigate the complexities of administering the UTME, the focus remains on ensuring fairness and integrity in the examination system. The withheld results and ongoing investigations serve as a reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining a transparent and credible assessment process.
The JAMB announcement has sparked discussions among stakeholders, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent examination malpractice. The implications of these findings could have lasting effects on the credibility of the UTME and the future of educational assessments in Nigeria.
In summary, the release of the 2025 UTME results has brought to light significant issues surrounding examination integrity, with a considerable number of candidates facing scrutiny over suspected malpractices. As JAMB works to address these challenges, the education community watches closely, hoping for reforms that will enhance the credibility of the examination process and ensure that deserving candidates are recognized for their hard work.
