Over 5,000 Students With 300+ JAMB Scores Denied University Admission in Nigeria

UTME validity extension. Despite achieving scores of 300 and above in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) UTME, over 5,000 candidates between 2019 and 2024 were denied admission into Nigerian universities. This shocking statistic comes directly from JAMB’s admission data, raising fresh concerns about the fairness and efficiency of the Nigerian tertiary admission process.

UTME validity extension. UTME and Admission Stats (2019–2024)

Between 2019 and 2024:

• 8.5 million candidates sat for the UTME.
• Only 2.7 million students gained admission.
• Over 5.8 million candidates were left out — including thousands with outstanding scores above 300.

UTME validity extension. Why Are High Scorers Not Admitted?

JAMB highlighted multiple reasons why high-scoring candidates may still miss out on admission:

• ✅ Wrong subject combinations in O’Level results
• ✅ Low scores in post-UTME screening
• ✅ Students rejecting admission offers
• ✅ Duplicate applications by the same candidate
• ✅ Missed screening exercises
• ✅ Catchment area limitations

These issues demonstrate that a high UTME score is not a guaranteed ticket to university admission in Nigeria.

UTME validity extension. Yearly Admission Trends

Take the 2019/2020 academic session, for example:

• 1.8 million candidates registered for UTME.
• Only 612,000 students were admitted.

This disturbing pattern continued through subsequent years, leaving thousands of bright students behind.

UTME validity extension. Calls for UTME Result Validity Extension

Educational experts and stakeholders are now advocating for multi-year validity for UTME results—just like WAEC and NECO. They argue:

• 💸 Repeating UTME annually is costly for families.
• 🎓 Many students are already qualified but face systemic issues.
• ⌛ A longer validity period could reduce pressure on students and improve admission flexibility.

UTME validity extension. Minister Defends JAMB CBT Amid 2025 Glitches

Following complaints about technical failures during the 2025 UTME, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, defended JAMB’s Computer-Based Test (CBT) system.

He clarified that the glitches were caused by a third-party service provider, not by JAMB itself. Affected candidates are being rescheduled for fresh exam dates.

Low Turnout at Rescheduled UTME in Lagos

Several CBT centres in Lagos reported low attendance:

• At Datforte International School, only 212 and 222 students attended the sessions, despite 250 expected per session.
• Many students missed their exams due to late notifications—some informed just hours before their exam time.
• Others faced long travel distances and clashes with ongoing WAEC exams.

Parents expressed concerns over rushed rescheduling and its impact on student performance.

Smoother Experience in Other States

In contrast, states like Anambra and Imo recorded smooth exam experiences with tight security and good coordination. Candidates with verification issues were asked to reprint their exam slips and return later.

What Parents and Stakeholders Are Saying

Stakeholders have called on JAMB to:

• 📅 Improve exam logistics and planning
• 📢 Give earlier notifications for rescheduled exams
• 🔍 Make the UTME process more transparent and predictable

These steps, they argue, will reduce confusion and help students perform better.

Conclusion

The fact that over 5,000 top scorers were denied admission reflects deep-rooted challenges in Nigeria’s university admission system. From technical failures to administrative oversights and policy limitations, there’s a growing call for reform, fairness, and transparency in the UTME process.

As we move forward, stakeholders, students, and parents alike are hoping for a more inclusive and effective approach to university admissions in Nigeria.