JAMB 2025: 983,187 Candidates Scored Between 160 and 199

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the detailed statistical report of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), and one of the most striking revelations is that 983,187 candidates — more than half of all test-takers — scored between 160 and 199.

Out of the total 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the examination, 50.29% fell within this score bracket. This range is particularly significant because most Nigerian universities and polytechnics set their general admission cut-off marks around 160 or 180, depending on the course and institution.

What This Score Range Means

Candidates who scored between 160 and 199 are still in the running for admission, but their chances depend heavily on the following:

• Choice of Course: Highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering typically require higher UTME scores (often above 250).
• Choice of Institution: Top federal universities such as UNILAG, UI, UNN, and OAU may not consider candidates with scores below 200 for most of their courses.
• O’Level Results: Strong WAEC or NECO results can make a difference when institutions begin screening.
• Post-UTME Performance: Many institutions conduct internal post-UTME exams or screenings, offering candidates another opportunity to improve their chances.

National Concern

This high number of mid-range scores suggests a growing gap in academic excellence among candidates. While these scores are not outright failures, they highlight a need for improvement in secondary school preparation and exam readiness across the country.

Other Key Statistics from the 2025 UTME

• Scores 300 and above: 12,414 candidates (0.63%)
• Scores 250 – 299: 73,441 candidates (3.76%)
• Scores 200 – 249: 334,560 candidates (17.11%)
• Scores below 160: Over 550,000 candidates
• Scores below 100: 2,031 candidates

What Candidates Should Do Next

Candidates within the 160–199 range should:

• Re-check their institution’s latest cut-off mark for 2025 (especially if it has dropped).
• Consider applying for less competitive courses or institutions with lower cut-offs.
• Monitor JAMB’s official updates about admission timelines, result checking, and CAPS portal activation.