The high failure rate in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, according to Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, is unmistakable proof that the government’s anti-malpractice initiatives are having an impact, particularly in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board system.
His comments coincide with widespread anxiety after JAMB released data indicating that just over 420,000 of the 1,955,069 applicants who took the 2025 UTME scored above 200, implying that more than 78 percent did not reach the 200-mark criterion.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, Alausa said the dip in performance represents a considerable decline in examination misconduct due to JAMB’s enhanced security standards.
“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 said that the education ministry thoroughly reviewed the nation’s test processes after taking office.
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He said that the National Examinations Council and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) will start using computer-based testing by November 2025, beginning with objective papers, as part of larger changes.
“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.
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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.
