The high failure rate in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has been attributed to the success of strict anti-cheating measures put in place by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). According to JAMB’s results, out of 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the exam, only about 420,000 achieved scores above 200, with the majority failing to meet the threshold required for admission.
Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, discussed the results during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief. He explained that the mass failure is a direct consequence of JAMB’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the examination process, which has significantly curbed cheating. “The poor performance is a reflection of exams being conducted properly,” Dr. Alausa stated. “JAMB has eliminated fraud through the use of technology and strong security measures, ensuring that cheating is no longer a factor.”
Dr. Alausa also compared JAMB’s achievements with the challenges faced by other exam bodies like the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). He revealed that both WAEC and NECO are working towards the adoption of a computer-based testing (CBT) system, which will begin with objective papers in November 2025, followed by full CBT implementation by May/June 2026.
The minister further expressed concern over how examination malpractice discourages diligent students. “The worst part of cheating is that it demotivates the hardworking students,” he said. “If some students have access to exam questions ahead of time, others may feel tempted to cheat as well, undermining the entire education system.”
Dr. Alausa reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education in Nigeria and ensuring that academic integrity is maintained. He emphasized that the recent UTME results highlight the importance of continued reforms to foster meritocracy in the nation’s educational system.
