JAMB: Only 1.16% of underage UTME candidates show exceptional ability

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Out of the 40,247 underage candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), only 467 — which is 1.16 per cent —scored high enough to be classified under the exceptional ability category, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has revealed.

This from a total of 1,955,069 processed results for the year, PUNCH Online reports.

In a post made on X (formerly Twitter) via its official handle @JAMBHQ, the examination body on Monday, disclosed that although the underage candidates were permitted to showcase their academic prowess, “their performance in the subsequent three stages is still pending,” indicating that the evaluation process for these prodigious candidates is far from over.

Misconduct and absenteeism

The Board also shed light on disturbing cases of misconduct and absenteeism that characterised the 2025 UTME.

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“A total of 97 candidates were involved in examination infractions,” JAMB stated, adding that “2,157 others are currently undergoing investigations for suspected malpractices.”

Also concerning is the large number of students who failed to appear for the exam altogether.

“71,701 candidates were absent,” the Board confirmed, offering no immediate breakdown of reasons for their non-participation.

JAMB also addressed the issue of biometric verification challenges, a recurring problem in recent years.

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