The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the official statistics for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), revealing that more than 1.5 million of the 1.95 million candidates scored below 200 out of a possible 400.

In a post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, JAMB stated that a total of 1,955,069 candidates sat for the examination. Of this number, 1,534,654 candidates—representing 78.5%—scored below 200.

A detailed breakdown shows that only 4,756 candidates (0.24%) scored 320 and above, while 7,658 (0.39%) attained scores between 300 and 319. In total, just 12,414 candidates (0.63%) scored 300 and above.

For scores ranging between 250 and 299, 73,441 candidates (3.76%) were recorded. Meanwhile, 334,560 candidates (17.11%) scored between 200 and 249.

The highest concentration of scores fell within the 160–199 range, with 983,187 candidates (50.29%). Additionally, 488,197 candidates (24.97%) scored between 140 and 159, while 57,419 (2.94%) scored between 120 and 139.

Scores between 100 and 119 were recorded for 3,820 candidates (0.20%), and 2,031 candidates (0.10%) scored below 100.

JAMB also disclosed that 40,247 underage candidates were permitted to sit the examination on the basis of “exceptional abilities”. However, only 467 (1.16%) of them attained scores that qualify under the board’s threshold for exceptional performance. JAMB noted that these candidates would undergo further assessments across three additional stages.

In terms of examination integrity, the board reported that 97 candidates were involved in confirmed infractions, while 2,157 others are under investigation for suspected malpractice.

A total of 71,701 candidates were absent during the exams. JAMB added that those who experienced biometric verification issues are currently under investigation, and candidates who are cleared will be rescheduled to sit the examination at designated centres.

The board further stated that results for blind candidates and those in the JEOG category are still being processed and will be released upon completion.

JAMB reassured affected candidates that all necessary measures are in place to ensure fair treatment. A press briefing is expected later this week to provide details on result-checking procedures and other public concerns.