Widespread concern has gripped Nigeria�s education sector following the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, which revealed that over 1.5 million candidates scored below 200 out of a possible 400 marks. The statistics, released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), have sparked debates about the quality of secondary education and the preparedness of candidates seeking admission into the nation�s higher institutions.
Out of the estimated 1.9 million candidates who sat for the UTME, only a small percentage scored 200 and above�the traditional benchmark for many university admissions. The overwhelming majority scored between 140 and 199, while a smaller portion fell below 140.
�This performance is not just a disappointment�it�s a national emergency,� said Dr. Olusegun Adeyemi, a Lagos-based education consultant. �These results reflect deep-rooted issues within our education system, from teacher quality to curriculum design and even the digital readiness of our schools.�
Parents, educators, and analysts have reacted strongly to the results. Many parents expressed shock and disappointment, especially those who invested heavily in private coaching centers to prepare their children for the exam.
Conversely, some education experts have cautioned against placing blame solely on students. �We need to look at the broader picture,� said Adeyemi. �How many of these students had consistent academic calendars, qualified teachers, or access to computer-based training?�
JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, acknowledged the general low performance but maintained that the exam�s integrity and standards must be upheld. �We understand the concern,� he said in a press briefing. �But lowering standards is not the solution. We must instead raise the level of preparation at the foundational stages
Education analysts have identified several potential causes for the widespread underperformance:
- Interrupted learning calendars due to school closures, infrastructure issues, and industrial actions.
- Overdependence on �miracle centers� and last-minute cram coaching without solid foundational knowledge.
- Digital illiteracy, especially in rural areas, with many students unprepared for the computer-based testing format.
- Academic pressure and anxiety, which may have negatively affected performance.
With more than 1.5 million candidates scoring below 200, tertiary institutions across the country may need to adjust their cut-off marks or increase reliance on post-UTME screening exams. Some universities, especially those with limited admission slots, are already reportedly considering alternative assessment methods.
Polytechnics and colleges of education may also experience a surge in applications, as many students fall short of the scores required for university admission.
The situation has reignited public calls for urgent educational reform. Advocates are urging the federal and state governments to:
- Overhaul the national curriculum.
- Invest in teacher training and retraining.
- Improve infrastructure, particularly in public and rural schools.
- Integrate digital literacy from early education levels.
- Provide mental health support for students.
�Let this not be another flashpoint for outrage followed by silence,� said Chioma Nwosu, a parent and education rights activist in Enugu. �We need long-term policies that prioritize quality education�not just for the rich, but for every Nigerian child.�
The 2025 UTME results have brought to the surface long-standing issues plaguing Nigeria�s education system. While the figures are sobering, they also present an opportunity for stakeholders to unite in creating real, lasting reforms. If anything, these results are a reminder that the future of Nigeria lies in the classrooms of today�and that the time for action is now.
