According to figures shared by the examination body via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, a total of 40,247 underage candidates — those below the usual qualifying age — sat for the 2025 UTME. Of this group, only 467 candidates, representing just 1.16%, attained scores high enough to be classified as exhibiting “exceptional ability.” These candidates were admitted to take the exam under a special provision known as the Exceptionally Brilliant Window, introduced to accommodate prodigiously talented students under the age of 16.
JAMB, however, noted that these underage candidates are still subject to further evaluation, with three additional assessment stages pending before a final judgment can be made on their academic standing.
This data is part of the broader release of 1,955,069 processed results from the 2025 examination cycle. While the announcement drew attention to the promise shown by some young candidates, it also revealed a sobering national trend: the vast majority of candidates recorded below-average scores.
Performance Overview
The performance breakdown shows that only a slim margin of candidates — 12,414 in total (0.63%) — scored 300 and above, placing them in the top performance bracket. These include:
- 4,756 candidates (0.24%) who scored 320 and above
- 7,658 candidates (0.39%) who scored between 300 and 319
On the more competitive but not elite scale:
- 73,441 candidates (3.76%) scored between 250 and 299
- 334,560 candidates (17.11%) scored between 200 and 249
The majority of candidates, however, performed in the mid-to-low bands:
- 983,187 candidates (50.29%) scored between 160 and 199
- 488,197 candidates (24.97%) scored between 140 and 159
- 57,419 candidates (2.94%) scored between 120 and 139
- 3,820 candidates (0.20%) scored between 100 and 119
- 2,031 candidates (0.10%) scored below 100
This means over 75% of candidates scored below 200, which is often considered the baseline for admission into many competitive programs across Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Misconduct, Absenteeism, and Operational Challenges
Alongside performance data, JAMB highlighted a range of challenges that marred the examination process. These include widespread absenteeism, examination infractions, and biometric verification issues.
The Board revealed that:
- 71,701 candidates were absent from the exam, though no specific reasons were given for the high number.
- 97 candidates were confirmed to have committed examination infractions.
- An additional 2,157 candidates are currently under investigation for suspected malpractice.
In response to recurring biometric challenges, JAMB stated that affected candidates are being investigated, and those cleared will be given another opportunity to write the examination at approved centers.
Processing is also still underway for certain result categories, including those of blind candidates and others within the JEOG (JAMB Equal Opportunity Group) group. The Board assured the public that these results would be released in due course.
Awaiting Further Updates
JAMB has scheduled a press briefing to provide more comprehensive updates on the UTME results. During this session, individual results will be released, and access to result-checking portals will be opened for all candidates.
Earlier in the year, JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede had announced the decision to formally accommodate exceptionally gifted students under 16 through a specialized registration channel — a move that underscores the agency’s effort to strike a balance between academic inclusivity and performance standards.