The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially released the results of candidates who participated in the rescheduled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), according to a report issued on Sunday. The report marks a notable improvement in overall performance since the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format was introduced in 2013.
JAMB revealed that the number of released results in 2025 surpassed the 1,842,364 results released in 2024, signaling a consistent rise in UTME participation over the years. A performance breakdown shows substantial progress: in 2025, 117,373 candidates, representing 6.08% of the total, scored 250 and above. This is a significant jump compared to previous years — only 8,401 candidates (0.46%) scored similarly in 2024, while 5,318 (0.35%) achieved the same feat in 2023. Even more striking, only 724 candidates (0.06%) reached the 300 and above score range in 2021, with none doing so in 2014 and 2013.
Out of 336,845 candidates scheduled for the rescheduled examination, JAMB stated that 21,082 were absent. The board explained that the rescheduling was done after excluding problematic sessions from affected centres and incorporating candidates whose earlier verification was incomplete.
The board also addressed the release of previously withheld results. It confirmed the release of results for underage candidates who performed below the expected standard — with the exception of those involved in litigation. However, JAMB clarified that these candidates remain ineligible for admission, as they had earlier signed an agreement confirming that only those who meet the standard would be considered under any special admission policy for underage candidates.
Additionally, JAMB announced the release of results for candidates found guilty of participating in ‘WhatsApp Runs’ and similar exam malpractice. The board emphasized that this decision does not condone such behaviour, but serves as a one-time waiver aimed at allowing a fresh start. Candidates were warned to avoid involvement in illegal or suspicious social media groups moving forward.
The decision to release these results followed a detailed review of the resit examination by the Board’s Chief External Examiners (CEEs), chaired by the Vice-Chancellor of the National Open University, Prof. Olufemi Peters. The CEEs also brought in psychometric expert Prof. Boniface Nworgu to validate the integrity of the examination results.
Despite the general release, JAMB noted that results of candidates implicated in exam infractions or under investigation by security agencies have been withheld. Some previously released results were also withdrawn after new findings surfaced.
Candidates whose results were affected are being individually notified via SMS, email, and their JAMB profiles. JAMB urged candidates not to recheck their results if they have already been released. It also clarified that charges for using the 55019/66019 shortcode service are not a source of income for the board but are in place to protect candidates’ data and reduce exploitation by cybercafés.
