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Tag: CBT

  • 2025 UTME sets unprecedented record: Best performance in over a decade

    2025 UTME sets unprecedented record: Best performance in over a decade

    For the first time since the introduction of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) system in 2013, the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has recorded an extraordinary surge in candidate performance. The 2025 results mark the highest rate of top scorers in more than a decade.

    A comparative review of UTME scores from 2013 to 2025 reveals that 17,025 candidates—equivalent to 0.88% of the 1,931,467 results released scored 300 and above in 2025. This is the highest percentage of candidates achieving such scores since the CBT format began.

    By contrast, only 8,401 candidates (0.46%) reached the 300+ benchmark in 2024, while just 724 (0.06%) did so in 2021. Back in 2015, only 40 candidates hit the 300 mark, and in both 2013 and 2014, none reportedly did.

    The upward trend continues in the 250+ score range, where 117,373 candidates (6.08%) crossed the threshold in 2025 more than doubling 2024’s 4.18% and nearly quadrupling 2021’s 1.63%.

    A similar rise was recorded among those scoring 200 and above: 565,988 candidates (29.3%) in 2025, up from 24% in 2024 and just 13% in 2021. Nonetheless, the majority still scored below 200, though the proportion dropped to 70.7% in 2025 from 76% in 2024 and 87% in 2021.

    Compared to earlier years—particularly between 2013 and 2015, when only 11% scored above 200 and up to 89% scored below—it’s a striking shift.

    The 2025 results may spark fresh debate over the credibility and difficulty of the UTME, as well as the state of secondary education in Nigeria. Observers may question whether the sharp improvement signals genuine progress or a one-time spike.

    As JAMB continues to evolve its testing systems and as more schools leverage digital learning tools, 2025 may well mark a turning point in Nigeria’s approach to tertiary education admissions.

     

    Highlights:

    • 0.88% of candidates scored 300+ in 2025—the highest since 2013.
    • 6.08% scored 250+ in 2025, up from 4.18% (2024) and 1.63% (2021).
    • 29.3% scored 200+, while 70.7% scored below 200.
    • Results reflect a major performance leap compared to 2013–202

     

     

     

     

  • Impersonation: JAMB delists four CBT centres in ongoing UTME

    Impersonation: JAMB delists four CBT centres in ongoing UTME

    …nabs 27 impersonators

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said it has arrested 27 impersonators in the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    JAMB noted the 27 impersonators apprehended have been handed over to the Nigerian police for immediate prosecution.

    The board also announced that it delisted four Computer-Based Test, CBT centres that had failed to meet the stringent technical standards required for the UTME.

    JAMB named the delisted centres as Adventure Associate, Behind Sheshe Supermarket, Off Hadejia Road, Kano, Kano State; Saadatu Rimi College of Education, Zaria Road, Naibawa, Kano, Kano State; Penta M & F Technical Services Ltd, Centre 2, 96km Sokoto-Jega Road, Tambuwal and Penta M & F Technical Services Ltd, Centre 1, 96km Sokoto-Jega Road, Tambuwal.

    “While JAMB commends the 883 centres that have demonstrated exceptional performance, it unequivocally warns that any centre which failed the ethical or technical standards , regardless of ownership, will be blacklisted,” JAMB said in a statement on Friday by its spokesman, Fabian Benjamin.

    “Candidates who were previously scheduled to take their exams at the delisted centres are urged to urgently reprint their examination notification slips to access their new centres and rescheduled dates. We regret any inconvenience this may cause, but we will not tolerate excuses by candidates who fail to reprint their slip to get their new schedules,” it said.

    The board revealed that “As of Friday, 25th April, 2025, over 900,000 candidates have successfully completed the UTME out of the 2,083,600 registered for the 2025 examination.“

    Meanwhile, JAMB said it has been alerted to the unauthorised restrictions imposed on candidates wearing hijabs in its Caleb University Centre, “and swift action has been taken to address this unilateral decision, which has been categorically condemned by the Vice-Chancellor of the university.”

    “This misguided action was the result of an overzealous security officer.

    “We extend our sincere apologies to the affected candidates and commend the leadership of both the centre and the university for their prompt intervention, which ensured that no candidate suffered undue disadvantage,” it said.

  • WAEC introduces CBT as option for Paper Based Tests

    WAEC introduces CBT as option for Paper Based Tests

    West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says candidates for the November West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will have the option of choosing between Computer Based Tests (CBT) and Paper Based Tests.

    Head of National Office, WAEC, Nigeria, Dr Amos Dangut, stated this in Ibadan on Wednesday while monitoring the ongoing WASSCE, along with some principal officers of the council.

    He said that the examination body had successfully conducted the first edition of the computer-based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), also known as CB-WASSCE in January/February.

    According to him, private candidates writing WASSCE in November will have the opportunity of choosing between CB-WASSCE and paper-based test.

    “The examination, held in January and February, yielded better performance compared to the previous year, with a significant decrease in malpractices from five per cent to 0.8 per cent.

    “We are now gearing up for the upcoming private candidates’ examination in October and November, offering candidates the choice between the traditional pen and paper and the computer-based method,” Dangut said.

    He said that the initiative was aimed at expanding computer-based examination to rural areas.

    “It’s part of our plans to eventually implement computer-based examinations for all schools, in collaboration with the Federal Government and other stakeholders.

    “We are also working on providing necessary facilities and training for schools to facilitate this transition,’’ he said.

    The WAEC boss said contrary to what skeptics were saying, the transition to CBT method was a success and had reduced malpractices rate significantly.

    “In any case, the world is already moving technologically. We also, as part of the global community, must ensure that we move along.

    “And we can only do that by equipping our schools, getting the candidates prepared to face what lies ahead of them,” Dangut said.

    While expressing satisfaction with the monitoring of WASSCE in some schools in Ibadan, he commended the calm and confident demeanor of the candidates and the conducive examination environment.

    “It is my goal to maintain high standards across all schools to ensure fair comparisons of performance,” he said.

    Dangut said that he was pleased to see the use of metal detectors and CCTV in some schools, expressing the hope that such practices were widespread.

    He stressed the need for adequate infrastructure, well-equipped examination halls and qualified teachers, all of which, he said, were crucial elements for the advancement of the country’s educational system.

    Also speaking, Mr Muhammad Musa, the National President, All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools of Nigeria (ANCOPSS), said the monitoring exercise was an indication that the examination body was proactive.

    “WAEC’s goal is to ensure credible and malpractice-free examination, and today’s experience reflects positively on public schools’ efforts.

    “Teachers and students alike appear well-prepared, exuding confidence despite our presence,” he said.

    According to Musa, to enhance education, the federal government should focus on empowering teachers.

    “Well-trained teachers with subject mastery can effectively educate students.

    “I encourage schools and government to prioritise teachers’ participation in national and state coordination as well as marking exercises.

    “This hands-on experience equips teachers to better understand examination requirements and, in turn, improves their teaching.

    “Additionally, government support in terms of infrastructure and qualified educators is crucial for the development of education,” he said.

    WAEC officials on the monitoring team included Prof. Jacob Kwaga, the Federal Government’s nominee in WAEC; Director of ICT, Mrs Olufolake Ajayi and Zonal Coordinator of WAEC, Ibadan, Rosemary Ojo-Odide.

    Others were: Director of Human Resources, Mrs Genevieve Chukwudi-Nwoko and Victor Odu.

  • Police recruitment: PSC shortlists 171,956 applicants for CBT

    Police recruitment: PSC shortlists 171,956 applicants for CBT

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) has shortlisted 171,956 candidates for Computer Based Test (CBT) in the ongoing recruitment process for applicants seeking employment into Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police.

    A statement on Thursday in Abuja by Mr Ikechukwu Ani, the Head of Press and Public Relations of PSC, said the CBT would hold on March 5.

    He said the candidates for the CBT were those who emerged successful in the just concluded credentials and physical screening exercise held nationwide.

    According to him, the 171,956 candidates for the aptitude tests are applicants for general duty positions.

    He said 43,778 other applicants who were successful from the specialists cadre during the screening exercise would go through practical tests at a date to be announced later.

    “The commission, after a meeting of the Police Recruitment Board, approved that the CBT be conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, because of its long standing pedigree in such examinations.

    “For the General Duty cadre, 315, 114 applicants were invited for the screening exercise out of which 171,956 were successful and shortlisted for the CBT.

    “The 171,956 applicants shortlisted are made up of 25,818 females and 146,138 males,” he said.

    He said Kaduna State would be presenting the highest number of candidates for the tests with 12,343 followed by Bauchi with 10,911; Benue, 10,532, and Katsina,10,457.

    According to him, Anambra has the least candidates for the aptitude tests with 343 applicants followed by Lagos, 504 and Ebonyi, 600.

    He said successful candidates from the CBT would be required to appear for medical examinations before proceeding for training

    Ani pledged the commitment of the PSC Chairman, Dr Solomon Arase to conclude the exercise on time to quickly inject the successful candidates into the system.

  • WASSCE: WAEC to begin CBT Feb. 2024

    WASSCE: WAEC to begin CBT Feb. 2024

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says arrangements have been concluded to conduct its 2024 WASSCE for (private candidates) using the Computer Based Test (CBT) platform.

    This is contained in a statement by the council’s Acting Head, Pubic Affairs, Mrs Moyosola Adesina, issued on Monday, in Lagos.

    According to her, the innovation will begin with the 2024 First Series of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for private candidates, slated for February.

    “In line with global best practices, the national office of  WAEC wishes to inform the general public, and all its stakeholders, that plans have been  concluded to migrate its WASSCE for private  candidates examination diets, from Paper and Pencil Test (PPT) to Computer Based Test CBT).

    “While the objective tests will be fully computer based, the essay and test of  practical papers will be hybrid, in which the examination questions will be delivered on screen and candidates required to write answers on the answer booklets given to them. 

    “Furthermore, the examination will be conducted in urban centres/cities and candidates with special needs have been factored into the plan.

    “Registration for the examination will commence on Monday, Dec. 18,” she said.

    Adesina said in order  to enable candidates to familiarise themselves with the new examination platform, arrangements had also been concluded for a mock examination to be conducted in February 2024, ahead of the main examination.

    “To this end, the council implores all prospective candidates to hone their computer skills and be fully prepared to embrace this innovation. 

    “As Africa’s foremost examining body, providing qualitative and reliable educational assessment, encouraging academic and moral excellence, it is the vision of the council that in the near future, all its examinations will be delivered via the computer,” she stated.

  • WAEC set to introduce CBT for WASSCE

    WAEC set to introduce CBT for WASSCE

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) says plans to introduce the Computer Based Test (CBT) mode in the administration of its examinations are at advanced stage.
    The Head of National Office (HNO), Mr Patrick Areghan, gave the hint in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Lagos.
    Areghan was speaking against the backdrop of notable achievements and advancements of the council under his watch, as he prepared to bow out of office on Oct. 1.
    He would be bowing out after completing his three-year tenure.
    Areghan said that introducing the CBT mode of administrating some of the council’s examination had been part of his vision for the body in the near future.
    ”We have already started something in terms of CBT examination. We have gone far with our planning and all of that, even in the sub region, the registrar to council is also doing something.
    “But this is not as easy as some people will think. This is because we ask ourselves, how do we conduct CBT for practicals and essay papers?
    “We can only readily do that in the case of objective questions. But so many people will not see it from that angle. They argue that some others are doing it, why can’t WAEC do same.
    “Now, no one even talks about energy;  how many schools are exposed to computer literacy? How many have computer facilities and how many have electricity to run these things?
    “Even where you have all these things on ground, how do you handle the issue of theory and practical papers? So, these are the issues, but that is what I want the council to do in the very near future.
    “We should be able to conduct CBT examinations, even if it means starting with the objective questions,” he said.
    The outgoing WAEC boss noted that already, the council had concluded on introducing the administration of its examination using the CBT platform under his watch, in no distant time, starting with the objective questions  and later theory and practicals.
     “But you can still be sure that not all schools will be ready. Maybe we can have a segregated market. Those who cannot afford the CBT will go for the pencil and paper mode.
    “So, I will like to see WAEC in that light,” he said.
    Areghan said asides the introduction of the  CBT,  he would also like to see all  the operations of the council fully digitalised in the near future.
    He noted that almost every section of the council had been digitalised under his watch.
    “I have almost digitalised everywhere now. Talk of certificate, checking of results and verification of results and more.
    “I will live to see more massive deployment of technology so that the vision of council can change from just being a world class examination body to a technology-driven examination body.
    “I also want WAEC to be more visible in the international stage. I want to see, through the cooperation of the sub region, how we can take WAEC overseas,  that is, how Nigerian children in the diaspora can sit for WASSCE overseas.
    “That, again, is what I want WAEC to do in the very near future. That is one thing I wanted to do under my watch, but, again like I said, it needs the cooperation of the sub region, not just Nigeria, to take WASSCE overseas.
    “I also want to see its digital certificate that we have successfully launched in Nigeria replicated in the entire sub region, so that any candidate that has taken WASSCE,  can be in any part of the world to access the  digital certificate; that is a legacy.
    “For instance, if your certificate gets missing, soaked, destroyed by fire and so on, with one touch on the bottom, it appears.
    “For me, this is a great legacy,” the WAEC boss stated.
    He also stated that the council’s Digital Security Printing Press is another milestone achievement under his watch.
    According to him, after 71 years of council’s existence  the introduction of the digital security printing press is a worthy legacy.
    This is alongside other internal ones, such as the Staff Bus scheme, meant to cushion the effect of high transportation fare, occasioned by the fuel subsidy removal, he said.
    “We are going to do more to motivate staff. I am counting on my successor to follow suit, being a very committed and intelligent person. It is my prayer that he achieves more than me,” he stated.
    Speaking on his greatest achievement, Areghan highlighted the successful conduct of examinations, release of results within stipulated time and printing and release of certificates to deserving candidates as key.
    “That is my greatest achievement. That is because when you work in the council and you fail to conduct any examination, no matter the other levels of achievements, you have failed.
    “So, I give God all the glory that I have been able to conduct all the examinations, even in the COVID-19 years, from 2020 to 2023,” the outgoing council boss told NAN.
  • UNIBEN set for post-UTME, DE screenings amidst ASUU strike

    UNIBEN set for post-UTME, DE screenings amidst ASUU strike

    The management of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) has fixed dates for its Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and Direct Entry screenings for 2022/2023 session.

    The university, in a notice by its Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola on Wednesday in Benin, said that the exercise would hold between Nov. 14 and Nov. 25.

    Bobola said that the screening would be conducted in designated centres at the Ugbowo main campus of the institution, using the Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode.

    “Only candidates, who applied through JAMB for the 2022/2023 UTME and direct entry admission and chose University of Benin as first choice and scored 200 and above for UTME candidates, are eligible for this screening exercise,” the registrar said.

    Bobola, however, referred admission seekers to the institution’s official website http://www.uniben.edu for further details.

  • JAMB sets new guidelines for UTME, other operations

    JAMB sets new guidelines for UTME, other operations

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said it has come out with new guidelines to ensure seamless conduct of future operational processes, including the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The board made this known in its Weekly Bulletin of the Office of the Registrar on Monday in Abuja.

    The board said the development was released in a communiqué issued at the end of a five-day brainstorming retreat for management staff held from Sept. 19 to Sept. 23 in Abuja.

    It added that the modifications included new ways to further strengthen the conduct of the UTME accreditation centres, registration of candidates, examination process, results management and general administration.

    “It became necessary for the board to modify its operations towards achieving far-reaching improvements on various issues emanating from the registration process and biometric challenges, among other operational procedures.

    “Hence, no new Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre would be accredited without meeting the new requirements.

    “To this end, new CBT centres must use laptop computer systems as clients, zero thin-dients or Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) would no longer be accepted.”

    The communiqué, JAMB added, further reiterated that no CBT centre must install any clients with less than 2 gigabyte (2GB) RAM.

    “It is now mandatory that Autobot system should be used for the accreditation of CBT centres; there should be three Autobot tests: Pre-accreditation during Mock – UTME and the dummy examination.”

    This, JAMB said, would be held a day before the UTME to confirm the readiness of the centre.

    The board noted that another key reason for the decision was to prevent IP address duplication and abuse.

    It also said that one of the resolutions at the retreat was the decision to widen the scope of accredited CBT centres.

    Each of the centres, the board said, would now have two additional registration outlets within their state of operation.

    Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Registrar, JAMB was quoted in the statement to have warned that, cybercafes and tutorial centres had been prohibited from participating in any of the board’s exercises.

    Oloyede said that no CBT centre would be allowed to collaborate with the prohibited group, adding that any violation of the directive, whether in part or whole, would lead to the revocation of the licence of the erring CBT centre.

    The registrar was further quoted as saying that biometrics of all accredited CBT centre registration officers would be captured ahead of the exercise.

    This, he explained, was because the board as a proactive agency must move with the tide to stay ahead of the machinations of cheats and safeguard the integrity of the system.

    On registration and biometrics, the registrar said that, at the registration point, candidates with bad fingerprints would be scheduled for the examination as “Exemption Candidates”.

    “Their registration slips would be colour-coded and visually different from those for other candidates.

    “Such candidates would sit their examination in Abuja on the last date of the national examination calendar and their results would not be released until after being subjected to proper scrutiny.

    “Furthermore, as a requirement for printing registration slips, a candidate must use at least two fingers and any of the two fingers taken would be used for biometric verification prior to entering the examination hall on the day of the examination.”

    He further directed that the two verifiable fingers of all candidates must be consecutively indicated on the candidates’ registration and examination slips.

    The Registrar also said that to further consolidate its data collection efforts, the board would consider separating UTME registration from that of Direct Entry (DE) beginning from 2023.

    He added that to further condone illegal admissions and printing of indemnity forms, all candidates’ registrations, including UTME, DE and others, must be completed with fingerprint authentication.

    He said: “The same must be used for the printing of registration slips and indemnity forms while Institutions must declare and provide the list of candidates admitted behind closed doors before the affected candidates could apply for condonement of Undisclosed Illegal Institutional Admissions (CUIIA).”

  • JAMB warns CBT centres against extortion

    JAMB warns CBT centres against extortion

    JAMB warned on Monday that operators of accredited Computer Based Tests (CBT) centres must desist from extorting candidates or face severe sanctions.

    It stated in its weekly bulletin that its attention had been drawn to reports that some operators charged higher than the N700 fee stipulated for services rendered to candidates.

    It reiterated that it would not condone any form of exploitation and would impose a N100,000 fine on culprits after they had been made to refund money collected.

    “Centre owners are warned that failure to desist from the nefarious act would attract a fine of N100, 000 and possible revocation of licence issued by JAMB.

    “Candidates are advised to report any CBT centre charging above the board’s stipulated fee for any of its services,’’ it stated.

    The board also stated the hope that centres it granted licence to perform certain functions would behave up to expectation.

    In February, JAMB accredited CBT centres to register candidates, applying for part-time studies, Sandwich programmes, National Open University of Nigeria programmes, and distance learning programmes.

    JAMB stated that the licencing, at the request of the CBT centres, was a measure to decongest its offices nationwide, following usually crowded exercises during the process.

  • JAMB increases UTME service charge at CBT centres

    JAMB increases UTME service charge at CBT centres

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved that its accredited Computer Based Tests (CBT) centres should increase service charge for a candidate from N1,400 to N2,000.

    JAMB made this known in its Weekly Bulletin of the Office of the Registrar on Monday in Abuja.

    The board explained that initially, candidates paid the sum of N1,400 made up of N700 for mock-UTME and another N700 for the UTME.

    The board said that the decision for approval by its management followed the high cost of diesel and other energy challenges in the country.

    “Henceforth, partnering CBT centres will collect the sum of N2, 000 as service charges from candidates sitting for both the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and mock-UTME.

    “In essence, candidates who did not indicate to sit for the mock-UTME will pay only N1, 000 for the UTME while those who want to sit for the mock UTME will pay an additional N1000.

    “This is irrespective of whether they sit for the examination or not,” it stated.

    It stated that the Board resolved on this move as many candidates who indicated interest to take the mock-UTME had oftentimes refused to turn up for the exercise.

    “They end up forcing the centres to expend resources in preparation for their appearance.

    “The implication of this is that once you indicate interest to sit the mock-UTME, you are duty bound to pay for the exercise whether you take the examination or do otherwise,” it stated.

    It, however, explained that the high cost of maintaining the centres for the two exercises, prompted it to approve the increase to ameliorate the pressure on the centres.

    “Consequently, candidates are now advised to make up their minds if, indeed, they want to participate in the mock exercise before indicating their interest at the point of registration.

    “This is because they will be required to pay for it.

    “It is also owing to the fact that once candidates indicate their interest to take the mock-UTME, the centres to which they will be assigned to will be mandated to put in place necessary facilities to prepare for their appearance,” JAMB said.

    In a similar development, the board also said that it would delist all CBT centres that failed to meet up with its approved capacity during the 2022 exercise.

    This, JAMB said, would include all centres that were not able to perform optimally to the approved capacities leading to the reduction of their capacities to conduct the 2022 UTME to specification.

    “Those centres that experienced same challenges in the previous year but were pardoned, yet failed to address their failings would be permanently delisted,” it stated.

    The board said that the measure became imperative as it had begun preparations for its next exercise, while also assuring of its readiness to surpass this year’s success in subsequent exercises.

    JAMB also said that fresh CBT centres applications would require a facility, fitted solely with laptops having a minimum of 14 inch monitor before securing necessary approval.

    This, the board said, was part of measures to curb power outages in centres during its exercise.

    It also urged both new and old centres to acquire alternative power sources in form of inverters and solar energy, rather than depending solely on generator power.

    Other additional minimum requirements, JAMB noted, would be released subsequently.