The number of candidates scoring 200 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination has reached its highest level in five years, reflecting a steady rise in performance despite increasing pressure on university admission spaces.
Data obtained from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board showed that the percentage of candidates who scored 200 and above increased from about 13 per cent in 2021 to more than 26 per cent in 2025.
The figures indicate a gradual improvement in UTME performance over the years, although experts say the trend does not necessarily mean overall academic standards have significantly improved.
According to the data, only about 168,613 out of 1.3 million candidates scored 200 and above in 2021, representing one of the lowest pass rates in recent years.
However, performance improved sharply in 2022 when over 378,000 candidates crossed the 200-mark benchmark out of more than 1.7 million applicants.
The upward trend continued through 2023 and 2024, before reaching its strongest level in 2025, when about 565,988 candidates scored 200 and above out of nearly 1.93 million candidates.
For 2026, JAMB has already released results showing that more than 473,000 candidates scored above 200 among those who uploaded their O-Level results, although the board is yet to publish a final national breakdown.
Education experts attributed the rise in performance partly to growing familiarity with the Computer-Based Testing system and increased access to digital learning tools.
According to Abuja-based data analyst, Isaac Moji, many students now prepare more effectively through online mock tests, tutorial platforms and social media study groups.
He explained that candidates have become more comfortable with technology-driven examinations compared to previous years when preparation relied mainly on textbooks and physical coaching centres.
However, Moji cautioned that improved UTME scores should not automatically be interpreted as stronger learning outcomes, noting that many students still struggle with critical thinking and communication skills after gaining admission.
Despite the improved performance figures, Nigeria’s tertiary institutions continue to face growing admission pressure due to limited capacity.
Admission statistics showed that while more students are qualifying for admission, universities, polytechnics and colleges of education still cannot absorb the increasing number of applicants each year.
In 2021, about 600,000 candidates reportedly secured admission out of over 1.3 million applicants.
By 2025, admissions increased to more than one million candidates from over two million applications, pushing the admission rate close to 50 per cent.
Education stakeholders, however, warned that the country’s tertiary education challenge is gradually shifting from poor examination performance to inadequate institutional capacity.
School administrator, Grace Edeh, said the figures reveal a deeper structural problem, as many qualified candidates are still unable to secure admission due to limited spaces.
She added that some institutions are sometimes forced to reduce admission requirements for less competitive courses to meet enrolment targets.
Education consultant, Collins Aondo, also linked the improvement in UTME performance to increased investment by parents in tutorial classes, CBT applications and digital learning devices.
According to him, even students in rural communities now have greater access to online learning materials through smartphones and internet-based platforms.
However, Aondo warned that the intense competition for highly sought-after courses such as Medicine, Law and Engineering may be encouraging excessive exam coaching rather than genuine academic development.
JAMB currently maintains minimum benchmark scores of 150 for universities and 100 for polytechnics, although individual institutions are allowed to determine their final cut-off marks independently.
