UTME Mass Failure: Education Minister Attributes Outcome to Effective Anti-Malpractice Measures
In the wake of widespread concern over the high failure rate recorded in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), Nigeria’s Minister of Education has defended the outcome, stating that the mass failure is clear proof that the government’s anti-malpractice initiatives are yielding positive results.
Speaking to journalists during a media briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Minister emphasized that the recently introduced reforms by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) are finally creating a level playing field for all candidates. According to him, the poor performance is not a sign of system failure, but rather a reflection of academic readiness now being tested without illegal assistance.
“This year’s UTME outcome should not be seen as a setback but as a breakthrough in our fight against examination malpractice,” the Minister stated. “For too long, cheating and result manipulation have distorted the real academic capacity of candidates. What we are seeing now is the true picture, and it gives us the opportunity to properly address the root causes.”
JAMB recently released the results of the 2025 UTME, revealing that a large percentage of candidates scored below the benchmark cut-off marks required for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. The statistics sparked public criticism and raised concerns over the overall quality of education in the country.
However, the Minister argued that while the figures may appear discouraging, they signal the beginning of a new era where only merit and academic integrity will determine success. He noted that the measures adopted—ranging from biometric verification to increased surveillance during exams—have significantly reduced instances of impersonation and cheating.
He also praised JAMB for refusing to lower standards or manipulate results to paint a false picture of success. “If we want to rebuild our education system, we must be willing to accept the uncomfortable truth. This mass failure shows we are doing something right. It’s better to have an honest failure than a fraudulent pass.”
The Minister further disclosed plans to strengthen preparatory systems for secondary school students, including teacher retraining programs, digital learning access, and curriculum reviews to better align with tertiary education standards.
Education stakeholders have been urged to support the reforms rather than criticize them, as sustained efforts will, in the long run, improve academic outcomes and restore credibility to Nigeria’s examination system.
As Nigeria moves forward with education sector reforms, experts are calling on parents, schools, and communities to refocus on long-term academic development rather than short-term examination success. The 2025 UTME results, according to the Minister, are not a failure of the system, but a necessary reset for genuine progress.
Source : Swifteradio.com
