The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has released key updates following the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). During its annual policy meeting held in Abuja on July 8, the board announced this year’s top scorers and introduced new admission policies while also addressing allegations of examination malpractice and systemic challenges.

Chinedu Christian Okeke from Anambra State emerged as the top scorer in the 2025 UTME with a total of 375 out of 400. He applied to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos (UNILAG). He was closely followed by Simon-Peter John Ayuba from Gombe State, who scored 374 and also chose Mechanical Engineering, though at Afe Babalola University. The third-highest score of 373 was obtained by Jimoh Abdulmalik Olayinka from Kwara State, another aspiring Mechanical Engineering student at UNILAG.

However, JAMB has raised serious concerns over the legitimacy of Chinedu Okeke’s result. According to the board, records show that he is already a medical student at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), which suggests that he may have taken the UTME again without proper authorization. The board has launched an investigation into the matter, suspecting foul play.

As part of this year’s admission guidelines, JAMB has set the minimum cut-off marks for tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Universities will now admit candidates with a minimum score of 150, while polytechnics and colleges of education will accept 100 and above. Colleges of Nursing are expected to consider candidates with at least 140. The announcement of these new benchmarks has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from university vice-chancellors who expressed concerns that such low thresholds could compromise the quality of admitted students.

Meanwhile, JAMB has released the results of the mop-up examination conducted on June 28, 2025. Out of the 96,838 registered candidates, only 11,161 sat for the exam. The board published the results on July 6 and advised all candidates to check their scores via the official SMS platform. Those who used incorrect codes were instructed to recheck their results using the right format.

The 2025 UTME was also plagued by technical and logistical challenges. Many candidates reported issues such as blank computer screens, incomplete exam questions, and biometric verification failures that prevented them from writing the exam. Over 2,000 candidates were affected by biometric issues alone. Additionally, JAMB flagged 244 cases of cheating, some of which involved coordinated malpractice through WhatsApp groups. Several computer-based testing centres were also accused of poor supervision and technical negligence.

In response to these problems, JAMB has promised a series of reforms aimed at improving the integrity and efficiency of the examination process. Plans are underway to upgrade its examination software, increase training for invigilators, and enhance security across centres nationwide.

As the admission season unfolds, students and parents are watching closely. The controversies surrounding top scorers, the integrity of the examination process, and the newly introduced policies are expected to shape both public opinion and institutional decisions in the months ahead.