The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) unveiled the outcomes of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Monday, disclosing that a significant number of candidates failed to meet the benchmark score of 200 out of 400 marks. Out of the 1,842,464 candidates whose results were released, a staggering 1,402,490 individuals fell short of this threshold, constituting approximately 78% of the total candidates.
Breaking down the results further, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, revealed that 8,401 candidates achieved scores of 300 and above, while 77,070 candidates scored between 250 and 299. Additionally, 439,974 candidates managed to score between 200 and 249, leaving the majority, as mentioned earlier, below the 200 mark.
Addressing the issue of top scorers, Prof. Oloyede clarified JAMB’s stance on publishing such names, emphasizing that the examination serves primarily as a ranking assessment, with admission decisions influenced by various factors beyond mere test scores. While the board recognizes public interest in identifying top performers, Prof. Oloyede underscored the need for caution in conferring awards, urging stakeholders to verify claims before making such decisions.
Moreover, the registrar highlighted that the results of 64,624 candidates were withheld pending further investigation into various issues, including verification procedures, procedural irregularities, and suspected exam malpractice. Despite a total of 1,989,668 registrations, a considerable number of candidates, amounting to 80,810, were absent from the examination.
Prof. Oloyede also shed light on JAMB’s efforts to internationalize its operations by conducting examinations in nine foreign centers, including locations such as Abidjan, Addis Ababa, London, and Johannesburg. This global outreach aims to promote Nigerian educational institutions abroad while fostering academic inclusivity and diversity.
As the board continues its assessment and verification processes, the release of the 2024 UTME results marks a crucial milestone in the journey towards tertiary education for thousands of candidates across the country.