On Friday, May 9, 2025, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) officially released the results for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), marking a significant milestone for millions of Nigerian students aspiring to secure admission into tertiary institutions. The announcement, made at JAMB’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, at 8:00 AM, brought a mix of anticipation, excitement, and anxiety for the 1,955,069 candidates who participated in the examination held between April 24 and May 5, 2025. This report delves into the details of the result release, performance statistics, reactions from stakeholders, the process of checking results, and the broader implications for Nigeria’s education system, all while capturing the human emotions and experiences tied to this pivotal moment.
The Build-Up to the Release
The 2025 UTME was a massive undertaking, conducted across 870 accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers nationwide. Over two million candidates registered, with 1,955,069 completing the examination. The process wasn’t without challenges—technical glitches, network issues, and reports of examination malpractice surfaced, prompting JAMB to implement rigorous post-examination analyses to ensure the integrity of the results. Candidates and parents alike endured days of waiting, with some expressing frustration over delays in the release. Social media platforms, buzzed with sentiments ranging from impatience to cautious optimism. One user remarked, “JAMB, please release our results, this waiting is killing us!” while others urged patience, acknowledging the need for thorough verification.
JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, addressed these concerns in an interview, emphasizing that the delay was due to an ongoing review process for certain candidates, including those with biometric verification issues or suspected malpractices. He assured the public that the results would reflect fairness and accuracy, a promise that culminated in the official release on May 9. The announcement was met with a wave of relief, as students prepared to check their scores and take the next steps toward their academic futures.
Performance Statistics: A Sobering Reality
The statistical breakdown of the 2025 UTME results, released earlier in the week, painted a sobering picture of candidate performance. Out of the 1,955,069 candidates, over 1.5 million—approximately 78%—scored below 200 out of the possible 400 marks. Only 420,415 candidates (21.5%) scored 200 or above, with a mere 12,414 (0.63%) achieving scores of 300 or higher. The score distribution highlighted a significant performance gap, with over 50% of candidates (983,187) scoring between 160 and 199, making it the most common score range.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, attributed the high failure rate to the government’s stringent anti-malpractice measures, which he argued were yielding results. “The high failure rate is clear evidence that our efforts to curb exam malpractice are working,” he stated. However, this perspective sparked debate. Some educators and candidates argued that systemic issues, such as inadequate preparation, poor secondary education quality, and logistical challenges during the exam, contributed significantly to the outcome. A post on X captured this sentiment: “Over 1.5 million scored below 200? We can’t just blame students. JAMB’s time scheduling and technical issues play a role too.”
Notably, JAMB allowed 40,247 underage candidates (below 16 years) to participate under a policy for exceptionally gifted students. However, only 467 of them (1.16%) scored 300 or above, the benchmark for “exceptional ability.” These candidates will undergo further assessments to determine their final classification, adding another layer of scrutiny to the process.
The performance statistics align with trends observed over the past 12 years, according to Prof. Oloyede. “This is not peculiar to this year,” he said, urging the public to view the results in context. Yet, the numbers have reignited discussions about the state of Nigeria’s education system, with calls for reforms to address foundational learning gaps and improve access to quality instruction.
How to Check the 2025 UTME Results
JAMB has made the result-checking process straightforward, offering two primary methods: online via the JAMB portal and offline via SMS. Here’s a step-by-step guide for each, reflecting the practical steps candidates are taking today:
Checking Your JAMB Results via SMS
- Compose the Message: Using the phone number registered with JAMB, candidates send “UTMERESULT” (without spaces) to 55019 or 66019.
- Ensure Sufficient Airtime: A minimum of ₦50 airtime is required to receive the result.
- Receive the Result: Within minutes, JAMB sends an SMS containing the candidate’s scores for each subject. If there’s a delay, candidates are advised to retry, ensuring they use the correct phone number.
This method is particularly popular due to its accessibility, especially for candidates in areas with limited internet access. However, the SMS option doesn’t allow printing, which is necessary for admission processes.
Checking Your UTME Results Online
- Visit the JAMB Portal: Candidates go to efacility.jamb.gov.ng/login using a web browser.
- Log In: Enter the email address and password used during UTME registration.
- Check Results: Click on “Check UTME Results,” input the registration number, and submit. The result is displayed instantly.
- Print Result Slip: For official use, candidates can print the result slip after paying a ₦500 fee via JAMB’s CAPS platform. The slip includes the candidate’s photograph and detailed scores.
JAMB has cautioned candidates to use only official channels to avoid scams, with some users on X reporting fraudulent websites claiming to offer result-checking services. The board also noted that results are being released in batches, so candidates whose results are unavailable should check back later.
Reactions and Human Stories
The release of the 2025 UTME results has elicited a spectrum of emotions. For some, it’s a moment of triumph. A candidate in Lagos, shared anonymously on X, celebrated scoring 320: “I was shaking when I sent the SMS, but seeing 320 made me scream! Thank you, God!” Others faced disappointment. A student in Abuja, who scored 180, confided to a local news outlet, “I studied so hard, but the technical issues at my center messed up my timing. I don’t know what to do now.”
Parents, too, are grappling with the outcomes. Mrs. Adeola, a mother of two in Ogun State, expressed mixed feelings: “My son scored 210, which is okay, but not enough for his dream course. We’re proud, but we’re also worried about the next steps.” Education consultants have advised candidates with lower scores to explore alternative pathways, such as changing their course or institution, or preparing for polytechnics and colleges of education, which often have lower cut-off marks.
The results have also sparked broader societal reflections. The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Essien Umoh, praised JAMB’s transparency during an unscheduled visit to a CBT center, calling the board a “trailblazer.” Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Education commended JAMB’s use of CCTV and other surveillance technologies to curb malpractice, highlighting the board’s commitment to integrity.
Implications and Next Steps
The 2025 UTME results are more than just numbers—they represent the hopes, struggles, and aspirations of millions of young Nigerians. For the 420,415 candidates who scored 200 or above, the focus now shifts to meeting institutional cut-off marks and preparing for post-UTME screenings. Universities, polytechnics, and colleges will soon announce their admission processes, and candidates are urged to stay updated via official portals.
For the majority who scored below 200, the path forward requires resilience. Options include retaking the UTME in 2026, applying to institutions with lower cut-off requirements, or exploring vocational training and other educational pathways. JAMB’s data also revealed that 97 candidates were involved in examination infractions, with 2,157 others under investigation, underscoring the need for ethical conduct in future exams.
The results have reignited calls for educational reform. Stakeholders are urging the government to address issues like overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages, and outdated curricula, which contribute to poor performance. The high failure rate, while partly attributed to anti-malpractice measures, also points to deeper systemic challenges that require collective action.
Conclusion
The release of the 2025/2026 UTME results on May 9, 2025, is a defining moment for Nigeria’s education landscape. It’s a time of celebration for some, reflection for others, and a call to action for the nation. As candidates check their scores via SMS or the JAMB portal, they carry the weight of their dreams and the support of their families. The statistics may highlight challenges, but they also underscore the resilience of Nigerian youth. Whether it’s the joy of a high score or the determination to try again, the human stories behind the numbers remind us that education is a journey, not a destination. As JAMB continues to uphold transparency and fairness, the focus now is on empowering candidates to take their next steps with confidence, knowing that their efforts are part of a larger quest for a brighter future
