Following the release of the 2025 UTME results, where over 78 percent of candidates failed to score above 200, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa says the dismal performance is proof that government efforts to eliminate exam malpractice—particularly through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)—are working.
Out of 1,955,069 candidates, only around 420,000 met the benchmark score, a figure the minister says reflects the effectiveness of strict anti-cheating measures and improved digital security during the exam process.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, Dr. Alausa said the decline in high scores is tied directly to JAMB’s use of computer-based testing (CBT) and its rigorous oversight.
“It’s concerning, yes—but it also shows the exams are finally being done the right way,” he said. “JAMB has put in place solid security systems, and cheating is now virtually impossible there. Sadly, that’s not yet the case with WAEC and NECO.”
To close that gap, Dr. Alausa revealed that both WAEC and NECO will begin using CBT for objective questions starting November 2025, with full implementation—including essay sections—rolling out in the May/June 2026 exams.
“We must use technology to fight this epidemic of fraud,” he stressed. “Too many so-called ‘miracle centres’ continue to operate, enabling students to cheat. When those students encounter JAMB’s system—where cheating doesn’t work—they fail. That’s the imbalance we must fix.”
He also warned of the long-term effects of cheating on the education system. “It disincentivizes honest students,” he said. “If someone sees classmates with early access to questions, why should they work hard? That’s how we lose the good ones.”
Dr. Alausa concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to using technology to restore credibility and fairness to Nigeria’s examination and admission systems.
