Mass Failure in 2025 UTME? Over 1.5 Million Scored Below 250

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released the full statistical breakdown of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), and the figures have raised serious concerns about performance levels across the country. According to the data, over 1.5 million candidates scored below 250, sparking conversations around whether this year’s exam reflects a mass failure.

Out of a total of 1,955,069 registered candidates, only 85,855 scored 250 and above. This means that a staggering over 1.86 million candidates — roughly 95.6% of all test-takers — scored below the 250 mark.

Full Breakdown of Scores

Here’s how the numbers stack up:

• 320 and above: 4,756 candidates (0.24%)
• 300 – 319: 7,658 candidates (0.39%)
• 250 – 299: 73,441 candidates (3.76%)
• 200 – 249: 334,560 candidates (17.11%)
• 160 – 199: 983,187 candidates (50.29%)
• 140 – 159: 488,197 candidates (24.97%)
• 120 – 139: 57,419 candidates (2.94%)
• 100 – 119: 3,820 candidates (0.20%)
• Below 100: 2,031 candidates (0.10%)

This means only 0.63% of candidates scored 300 and above, while more than 80% scored below 200.

Is This a Sign of Decline?

While some stakeholders have attributed the performance to increased exam difficulty or stricter monitoring, others are pointing to a deeper problem in the Nigerian education system — lack of adequate preparation, poor learning environments, and an overdependence on last-minute study or malpractice.

The fact that the majority of candidates fell within the 160–199 range indicates a pressing need for reform in how students are taught and assessed at the secondary school level.

What Happens to Candidates Scoring Below 250?

For most federal universities and competitive courses, a score below 250 may not be enough. Courses like Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, Engineering, and Nursing often require 260 or more. However, candidates who scored between 160 and 240 may still have good chances with:

• State universities and polytechnics
• Less competitive departments
• Strong O’level results and post-UTME performance

Candidates are also encouraged to check their institution’s JAMB cut-off marks for 2025 and consider other options like change of course/institution, depending on their results.

Final Word

With over 1.5 million candidates scoring below 250, it’s clear the 2025 UTME results have sparked concern. Whether this reflects a true academic decline or just a tougher exam year, one thing is certain — the competition for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions will be intense.