Exam Failures Soar in 2025 UTME, But Don't Blame the Students
Exam Results Show Proper Examination Process: Minister's Perspective on UTME Mass Failures
In a surprising turn of events, the ~~minster~~ Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has attributsed the high failure rate in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (~~umte~~ UTME) to the government's tightened anti-malpractice measures. According to the ~~our website~~ [source 1], the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) released a detailed statistical report that shows more than 1.5 million candidates scored below the usual 200-mark threshold required for university admissions.
The report broke down the 1,955,069 results processed and released on ~~Monday~~ the stated date, demonstrating that only 420,415 candidates scored above the 200 threshold.
During a television appearance, Alausa explained that the significant drop in scores ~~speaking on Channels Television's Morning Brief on Tuesday~~ reflects the impact of the new security measures implemented ~~by~~ within JAMB's computer-based testing system, virtually eliminating fraud or cheating opportunities.
"The decrease in scores is a positive sign that the exams are being conducted properly. The computer-based testing system implemented by JAMB has led to the total eradication of ~~fraud or cheating~~ malpractice," Alausa stated.
Unfortunately, according to Alausa, other examination boards such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) have not yet adopted similar security measures, leading to a disparity between the performance of candidates in different exams.
Alausa further added that the Ministry will continue its efforts to combat malpractice and restore credibility to the examination and admissions processes in Nigeria by transitioning both WAEC and NECO to computer-based testing. This transition will begin with objective papers in November 2025, and it is expected that essay components will be included in the CBT system by the May/June 2026 examination cycle [[2], [3], [4]].
Alausa voiced his concerns about the demoralizing effect that rampant malpractice has on diligent students. "[It's sad that hardworking students are being disincentivized by the prevalence of cheating. When students know that some of their classmates have access to questions beforehand, the temptation to cheat is too strong. This must stop," said Alausa.
further reading
[[1]] ICPC's Report on Missing ₦70 Billion Student Loan Not True - Alausa[[2]] Peter Obi Faults Nigeria's Education System As Over 1.5 Million Candidates 'Fail' 2025 UTME[[3]] FG Sets Up Committee To Reform NYSC, NCE Holders To Serve[[4]] Tinubu Govt Upgrades 38 Technical Colleges In Nigeria, Unveils New Learning Method[[5]] How To Check Your 2025 UTME Result: A Step-By-Step Guide[[6]] Over 1.5 Million Candidates Score Below 200 In 2025 UTME As JAMB Releases Detailed Statistics
The shift to computer-based testing (CBT) in Nigeria is an essential part of the nation's efforts to modernize exam processes, reduce malpractices, and improve the transparency of national assessments. Adopting technology has the potential to create a more secure and controlled testing environment, making it less conducive for fraud and promoting honesty among candidates. However, challenges such as infrastructure readiness and accessibility remain key concerns as the transition to CBT progresses. Ensuring that all candidates have access to proper facilities and that these facilities are well-maintained will be crucial to the success of the new system.
- The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, attributed the high failure rate in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) to the government's tightened anti-malpractice measures, as reported by various news sources.
- In a stark contrast, only 420,415 candidates scored above the 200-mark threshold required for university admissions in the 1,955,069 results processed and released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
- Alausa explained during a television interview that the significant drop in scores reflects the impact of the new security measures implemented by JAMB in its computer-based testing system.
- The Minister also expressed concerns about the demoralizing effect that rampant malpractice has on diligent students, especially in the context of Nigeria's general-news and politics.
- Alausa voiced his intention to continue the Ministry's efforts to combat malpractice by transitioning other examination boards like the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) to computer-based testing, starting with objective papers in November 2025 and expecting essay components to be included by May/June 2026.
- In an effort to reduce malpractices and improve the transparency of national assessments, the shift to computer-based testing (CBT) is a key part of Nigeria's endeavor to modernize its exam processes.
- With the transition to CBT, challenges such as infrastructure readiness and accessibility remain key concerns, as ensuring that all candidates have access to proper facilities and that these facilities are well-maintained will be crucial to the success of the new system.
