Why Are UTME Scores in Anambra and Other States So Low?

The JAMB Algorithm Must Be Reviewed

The 2025 UTME results released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have sparked widespread concern, particularly in Anambra State and several other education-strong regions. Thousands of students, many of whom are academically sound and well-prepared received scores below 200. This has triggered a wave of confusion, frustration, and suspicion.

The pattern is too glaring to ignore: candidates from multiple centres across Anambra and some neighboring states are reporting scores clustered between 130 and 180. This is not only unexpected, but highly inconsistent with the reputation and performance history of these regions.

Did the JAMB Algorithm Work Against These States?

JAMB uses an automated scoring and moderation system, commonly referred to as the JAMB algorithm. It is designed to detect malpractice, flag irregular patterns, and adjust scores where it suspects cheating.

But this year, the system may have gone too far or simply malfunctioned.

What appears to have happened is this: if a centre was flagged for possible irregularities, the algorithm likely moderated all results from that centre downward, punishing even innocent, hard working candidates. This method, though meant to protect integrity, ends up destroying trust, fairness, and the academic future of honest students.

In states like Anambra, where students are known for their academic excellence, such blanket penalties are not just unfair, they are unjust.

The Human Cost of a Flawed System Think about this, a student had studied diligently for months, excelled in mock exams, and dreams of studying medicine or engineering. That student walks confidently out of the UTME exam hall, only to receive a score of 160. For many, that score means lost admission opportunities, lost confidence, and a crushed spirit.

The question on everyone's lips is: Are we being failed by the very system that should protect fairness?

A Clear Path Forward: Instant Score Display One urgent reform that JAMB must implement is instant score display at the end of the exam. If the UTME is truly a Computer-Based Test (CBT), then there's no reason why candidates should have to wait days only to receive potentially manipulated or moderated scores.

Displaying scores immediately after the exam ends will:

Promote transparency and trust

Reduce suspicion and controversy

Ensure that any errors or discrepancies are spotted early

Help students take responsibility for their performance or contest it, if necessary.

This feature is standard in many global tests like GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL. Nigerian candidates deserve the same level of dignity and clarity.

What Needs to Be Done

1. Immediate investigation into centres in Anambra and other affected states.

2. Clear explanation of how and why scores were moderated.

3. An independent review of the JAMB algorithm and its moderation process.

4. Implementation of instant score display for future UTME sessions.

Conclusion

The integrity of any exam body lies in the fairness of its process. The current situation where entire regions are seemingly punished due to algorithmic suspicion is unacceptable.

Anambra and other affected states deserve answers. More importantly, our students deserve justice.

Let JAMB fix this now before we lose the trust of a generation.

Prof Ilochi Okafor SAN, FCI.Arb. 

Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Law, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Chairman School Management Board Dennis Memorial Grammar School(DMGS) Onitsha.