Despite Scoring Above 300 in UTME, Over 5,000 Candidates Denied University Admission Due to Multiple Factors

In a recent disclosure, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) revealed that over 5,000 candidates who scored above 300 in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) were unable to secure admission into Nigerian universities. This situation has sparked widespread concern and prompted an examination of the underlying causes contributing to such outcomes.

JAMB clarified that a high UTME score does not automatically guarantee university admission. The admission process involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes O’Level results, post-UTME scores, and adherence to specific subject combinations required for chosen courses. For instance, a candidate with a UTME score of 345 was ranked 86th in the university’s admission list, while only 68 candidates could be admitted on merit, leading to the candidate’s exclusion.

Several factors have been identified as contributing to the denial of admission for high-scoring candidates:

• Incorrect Subject Combinations: Some candidates selected UTME subjects that did not align with the requirements of their desired courses, rendering them ineligible despite high scores.

• Incomplete O’Level Results: Candidates presenting incomplete or awaiting O’Level results faced disqualification during the admission process.

• Over-Subscription of Preferred Courses: Highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Engineering often have limited slots, leading to the exclusion of qualified candidates due to space constraints.

• Geographical Catchment Policies: Admission policies favoring candidates from specific regions can disadvantage high-scoring applicants from outside those areas.

Additionally, JAMB acknowledged technical issues during the 2025 UTME, including glitches in 157 examination centers, which affected the performance of numerous candidates. The board has since initiated measures to address these challenges and ensure a fair admission process.

JAMB advises prospective students to thoroughly understand admission requirements, select appropriate subject combinations, and consider a wider range of institutions and courses to enhance their chances of admission.