The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has described the widespread failure recorded in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as clear proof that the Federal Government’s anti-malpractice initiatives are working effectively—particularly within the framework of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Dr. Alausa made this known during a live interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, following JAMB’s announcement that only about 420,000 of the 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the exam scored above 200 out of 400. This translates to a startling 78.5% failure rate, which has triggered national debate and concern among parents, students, and education stakeholders.
According to the minister, the sharp drop in performance is not indicative of a failing educational system per se, but rather the result of stricter, technology-driven security measures that have made it increasingly difficult for candidates to engage in malpractice during the UTME.
“This mass failure is concerning, yes, but it also tells us something important—that the exams are now being conducted with integrity,” Alausa said. “JAMB has successfully eliminated cheating through its Computer-Based Test (CBT) system. What we’re seeing now is the real picture.”
The minister noted that the disparity between UTME results and performance in other national examinations like WAEC and NECO further highlights the deep-rooted issue of exam fraud. He said that while JAMB has made commendable strides in curbing malpractice through digital systems and biometric verification, WAEC and NECO still struggle with outdated, paper-based formats that are easily compromised.
As part of sweeping reforms initiated by the Federal Ministry of Education, Alausa revealed that both WAEC and NECO will begin transitioning to computer-based testing starting in November 2025, beginning with objective questions. By the May/June 2026 examination cycle, the CBT model is expected to cover both objective and essay sections, mirroring JAMB’s current system.
“We have to use technology to fight fraud,” Alausa emphasized. “There are far too many ‘miracle centres’ where students are openly assisted to cheat. This undermines academic integrity and puts hardworking students at a disadvantage.”
He explained that the current situation disincentivizes genuine academic effort and fosters a culture where examination success is no longer a reflection of merit. “If a student sees classmates gaining illegal access to exam questions or answers, they’ll lose motivation to study. That’s how our best students are corrupted.”
In response to the uproar from parents and educators, the minister urged Nigerians to view the mass failure as a necessary step toward building a credible and merit-based education system. He called on all stakeholders—schools, parents, and regulatory bodies—to support the government’s push for technological reforms across all examination platforms.
Alausa reiterated the ministry’s commitment to sanitizing the sector through robust ICT frameworks, transparent processes, and accountability. “We are focused on restoring the value of education in Nigeria. Our goal is to produce graduates who truly earn their success.”
Experts and stakeholders have welcomed the minister’s position, although many argue that the government must also invest in teacher training, curriculum improvement, and digital literacy to ensure that students are well-prepared for computer-based examinations.
Education advocates also recommend that the ministry intensify awareness campaigns to ensure that both teachers and students adapt successfully to the CBT format being introduced to WAEC and NECO.
As the conversation continues, many hope the 2025 UTME will mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against academic fraud and restore confidence in the nation’s examination system.