Minister: UTME mass failure proof anti-malpractice measures working

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has said the high failure rate in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination is clear evidence that the government’s anti-malpractice measures are yielding results, especially within the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board system.

His remarks come amid nationwide concern following JAMB’s release of results showing that out of 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the 2025 UTME, only about 420,000 scored above 200 — meaning more than 78 percent failed to meet the 200-mark threshold.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, Alausa said the drop in performance reflects a significant decline in examination malpractice due to JAMB’s tightened security protocols.

“That’s a big concern, and it’s a reflection of exams being done the proper way,” the minister said. “JAMB conducts its exam using a computer-based testing system. They’ve implemented strong security measures, and as a result, fraud or cheating has been completely eliminated. Unfortunately, we cannot say the same for WAEC and NECO.”

Alausa disclosed that upon assumption of office, the education ministry conducted a full review of the country’s examination systems.

As part of broader reforms, he announced that both the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council will begin transitioning to computer-based testing by November 2025, starting with objective papers.

The full CBT model — including essay sections — will be adopted by the May/June 2026 examination cycle.

“We have to use technology to fight this fraud,” Alausa said. “There are so many ‘miracle centres’, and that is simply unacceptable. People cheat during WAEC and NECO exams and then face JAMB, where cheating is nearly impossible. That’s the disparity we’re seeing now. It’s sad,” the minister said.

He also warned that exam malpractice undermines academic integrity and demoralizes diligent students.

Alausa said,“The worst part of cheating is that it disincentivises the hard-working ones,” he said. “If I’m preparing for WAEC or NECO and I know some classmates already have access to the questions, do you think I’ll still study hard? No, I’ll be tempted to join them. That’s how good students are corrupted, and that’s exactly what we must stop.”

Alausa stressed that the ministry remains committed to using technology-driven solutions to restore credibility in Nigeria’s examination and admissions processes.