Just 1.16% Of Underage UTME Candidates Displayed Exceptional Ability – JAMB

Out of the 40,247 underage candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), only 1.16 per cent of them scored high enough to be classified under the exceptional ability category, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has said.

JAMB recently had its say via its social media page, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to the body, although the underage candidates were allowed to showcase their academic prowess, their performance in the subsequent three stages is still pending, indicating that the evaluation process for these special candidates is far from over.

JAMB added that out of the 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the exam, only 4,756 candidates (0.24%) scored 320 and above, considered top-tier performance.

7,658 candidates (0.39%) scored between 300–319, bringing the total for those who scored 300 and above to 12,414 candidates (0.63%).

73,441 candidates (3.76%) scored between 250–299.

334,560 candidates (17.11%) scored between 200–249.

983,187 candidates (50.29%) scored between 160–199, which is widely regarded as the minimum threshold for admissions in many institutions.

488,197 candidates (24.97%) scored between 140–159.

It read, “A total of 97 candidates were involved in examination infractions. 2,157 others are currently undergoing investigations for suspected malpractices.

71,701 candidates were absent.

Candidates facing biometric challenges are under investigation, and those who are cleared will be rescheduled for examination at designated centres.

A few of the results, including those of blind candidates and others in the JEOG group, are still being processed.”

WOW.