The release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results has sparked a wave of concern and disappointment among Nigerian parents, following the revelation that over 1.5 million candidates scored below 200 out of a possible 400 points.
The figures, released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), have not only raised questions about the preparedness of students but also cast a spotlight on deeper issues within the country’s education system. For many parents, the poor performance represents more than just low test scores—it’s a wake-up call.
“I was shocked,” said Mrs. Florence Eze, mother of a candidate who scored 174. “My son has always been a strong student. He studied hard, attended tutorials, and even reduced his social media time. I honestly expected something better. This result doesn’t reflect his effort.”
Like Eze, several parents across Nigeria are expressing frustration—not just at the results themselves, but at what they perceive as a widening gap between effort and outcome. Many are questioning whether the issue lies with the students, the educational environment, or the structure of the examination itself.
JAMB, however, insists the results are an indication of a more credible and tamper-proof testing process. Speaking on Channels Television, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, argued that the low scores are a direct result of anti-malpractice efforts that have curbed cheating and inflated results.
“This is a reflection of exams being done the proper way,” Alausa stated. “JAMB now uses a computer-based testing system with tightened security protocols. Fraud and impersonation have been drastically reduced.”
While the government’s efforts to improve the integrity of national examinations have been praised in some quarters, parents say the abrupt drop in performance shows there’s more to fix.
“It’s one thing to prevent cheating,” said Mr. Ibrahim Musa, whose daughter scored 152. “But what are we doing to ensure these children are actually being taught well? Most public schools lack basic resources, and teachers are overwhelmed. We’re dealing with surface-level reform without addressing the foundation.”
Some parents also expressed concern that the intense pressure placed on students to perform in a single, high-stakes examination could be counterproductive. In a system where the UTME often determines a young person’s academic future, many argue that the stakes are simply too high.
“This one test determines whether or not your child gets into university. That’s too much pressure,” said Mrs. Ogechi Nwosu, a guidance counselor. “We need to start thinking about continuous assessment models or at least give students more chances.”
In response to the public outcry, education analysts are urging the government to go beyond exam security and focus on curriculum reform, teacher training, and early intervention programs that can better prepare students for tertiary education.
Meanwhile, the news has reignited debates on the role of parents and private tutoring in bridging educational gaps. With private schools and extra classes becoming the norm in urban areas, many families in rural or low-income communities are unable to provide the same level of support.
“In places where parents can afford extra lessons, students have an edge,” said Mr. Chuka Onuoha, a retired teacher. “But that’s not the case everywhere. We need a system where every child, regardless of background, has a fair shot.”
As disappointed candidates and their families reassess their next steps, one thing remains clear: the 2025 UTME results have exposed more than individual failures—they’ve brought a national conversation about equity, standards, and educational justice back to the forefront.
