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Cover Story :Implications of UTME’s Massive Failure and the Future of Nigeria’s Tertiary Education System

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11 months ago

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Professor Ishaq Oloyede JAMB Registrar

 

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa, Nigerian Tracker

 

The 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results have once again stirred widespread concern across the country. As the performance statistics trend on media platforms, the figures paint a worrying picture of Nigeria’s education sector and its implications for the country’s future leaders.

Away from tertiary students, those who have completed their secondary education and are seeking admission into higher institutions must sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination. However, the performance of this group has been declining steadily, particularly since 2015.

Only a small number of students typically perform excellently. A review of past data reveals a consistent increase in the number of students scoring below 200. According to EduCeleb, 95% and 84% of candidates in 2016 and 2017 respectively scored below 200. *Punch* newspaper also reported that in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, the percentages of candidates who scored below 200 were 74%, 77%, 79%, 87%, 77%, and 76%, respectively.

In 2024, Premium Times revealed that 76% of candidates scored below 200, while in 2025, the JAMB board itself reported that 78% fell below the 200 mark. While the fluctuations appear marginal, the consistent dominance of low scores is alarming.

This situation raises critical questions: What is the root cause of this persistent failure? Who should be held accountable—the students or the examination board?

Several studies suggest that while students must take a major share of the responsibility, the JAMB board is not without blame. In an interview with *Nigerian Tracker*, respected educationist Mr. Oluwamuyiwa Aladeyelu, founder of CIMET JUKU—a platform promoting quality education in Ekiti State—shared insightful perspectives.

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“More people scored 300 and above in this year’s UTME. However, as much as 78% still scored below 200, which is bad. I must confess that our students don’t read,” Mr. Oluwamuyiwa remarked.

When asked what might be contributing to the poor outcomes, he added:
“The blame does not lie entirely with the students. JAMB should also take part of the responsibility. The exam is not without glitches. Many Biology questions were incomplete, and some diagram-based questions failed to display properly.”

He further cited a discrepancy in the English Language section, noting, “The section was supposed to have 60 questions, but only had 55. Who should be held accountable for that?”

Mr. Oluwamuyiwa emphasized that JAMB has yet to properly address these concerns. “They must be held accountable. We cannot keep placing all the blame on students while absolving JAMB of responsibility. They can—and should—do better.”

Interestingly, JAMB appeared to acknowledge some of these issues via a response on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle regarding reported glitches during the exam held on Saturday, April 26, 2025. However, no follow-up communication has confirmed whether those issues persisted in subsequent sessions.

To probe the matter further, another educationist, Dr. Usman Isyaku, raised several probing questions: “Low JAMB scores—whose fault? Lazy students? Poorly trained teachers? Poor remuneration for teachers? A sign of disinterest in traditional education or work-retirement systems? We need a holistic analysis.”

In response, Mr. Oluwamuyiwa stated:
“Some schools consistently perform well due to highly qualified teachers, strong family backgrounds, and boarding environments that reduce social media distractions.”

He also pointed out that the normalization of exam malpractice from an early age discourages serious study, adding that competitive salaries attract qualified teachers. “Top schools do well because they are adequately staffed and teachers are well-paid,” he explained.

He offered this solution:
“It’s a tripod system—parents, teachers, and students must work together. The government and stakeholders should also encourage schools to conduct internal exams ahead of external ones. If students are familiar with exam systems, performance will improve.”

In addition, computer literacy remains a major challenge. Many students lack the digital skills to navigate the CBT (computer-based test) system, causing them to lose valuable time during the exams. Providing free or subsidized training can bridge this gap, especially for students who cannot afford private computer training centers.

Moreover, technical glitches must be addressed decisively by JAMB to prevent recurring issues that impact exam integrity and student performance.

In conclusion, Nigerian students must take responsibility for their learning, but JAMB and the broader education system must also rise to the occasion. Without a united effort to address these systemic issues, the nation risks undermining the academic future of its youth—and the quality of its future leadership.

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Dangote Spotlights Refinery, Vision 2030, Others, At Nasarawa Trade Fair

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5 hours ago

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April 16, 2026

By

Regional Director/Senior Adviser to Aliko Dangote, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman.

 

Africa’s leading conglomerate will feature its flagship Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Company at the 2026 Nasarawa Trade Fair, which will be officially declared open by the State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on April 20.

Dangote Industries Limited will also showcase its Vision 2030, which focuses on driving innovation and Africa’s industrialization.

The Dangote Group is the major sponsor of the Nasarawa Trade Fair and Exhibition (NASTFE) with the theme: Unlocking Industrial Synergy: Deepening the Value Chain and Driving Inclusive Growth in Nasarawa State.

A statement from the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, said other Strategic Business Units of the company will be participating at the annual event in the state capital, Lafia.

Anthony Chiejina stated that products to be featured at the Fair will include those from the Group’s Strategic Business Units, such as Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar, Dangote Salt and seasonings, Dangote SinoTruk, Dangote Packaging, and Dangote Fertiliser.

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The statement quoted the Regional Director/Senior Adviser to Dangote Group President, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, as saying that Nasarawa State is key to the Group’s overall investment in Africa.

“It is home to Dangote’s Nasarawa Sugar Company Limited (NSCL). The sugar project, when completed, will be one of the biggest sugar investments in Africa,” she said.

Mrs. Wali-Abdurrahman noted that the Trade Fair provides a valuable platform for the company to engage with key stakeholders and Nigerians interested in exploring business opportunities with the organization.

She stated that a dedicated Help Desk will handle inquiries, enabling the company to effectively engage participants on the Dangote Group’s Strategic Business Units.

Speaking to newsmen in Lafia, Chairman and Council members of the Nigeria Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Nasarawa State Chapter, Nidan Sambo Manasseh, said the theme for this year’s Trade Fair aptly aligns with Dangote Group’s vision.

“We align strongly with the vision of Aliko Dangote, whose leadership continues to shape Nigeria’s economic future. His focus on industrialization, local production, and value creation inspires our efforts to connect MSMEs to structured value chains.

“Through this partnership, we are building a bridge between grassroots businesses and large industries, driving inclusive growth,” he said.

He said the third edition of NASTFE is designed as a practical business, industrial, and human capital development platform, adding that it is not just an exhibition.

According to him: “A major highlight of this year’s programme is the Empowerment Skill Acquisition Programme (ESAP), now structured as a package project for sponsorship support.

“ESAP is a yearly initiative from July-December targeting 2,000 beneficiaries across the 13 Local Government Areas of the State.

“The programme is strategically designed as a mobile training system, moving from one Local Government to another to ensure inclusive grassroots participation.”

Speaking on the Dangote Group’s Vision 2030, he said: “Our strategy is to align local enterprise development with large-scale industrial systems.”

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Al-Istiqama University Secures Full Accreditation for 11 Academic Programmes

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5 hours ago

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April 16, 2026

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The Management of Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State, is pleased to announce that the National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted Full Accreditation status to a total of eleven (11) academic programmes following the comprehensive accreditation exercise conducted in November and December 2025.

According to the official report released by the NUC, the programmes were assessed based on the Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS), with emphasis on curriculum content, quality of academic staff, physical facilities, library resources, and employers’ rating.

The programmes granted Full Accreditation are:

Faculty of Health Sciences:
• Community Health Science
• Nursing Science
• Public Health

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Faculty of Arts, Social and Management Sciences:
• Shari’ah
• Criminology and Security Studies
• International Relations
• Sociology

Faculty of Science and Computing:
• Biology
• Biotechnology
• Computer Science
• Software Engineering

This achievement affirms the University’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality education and reflects the dedication and professionalism of its academic and administrative staff in building a centre of excellence. With this development, all accredited programmes have secured full recognition for a period of five (5) years.

The Management expresses its profound appreciation to the Founder, Senator Sulaiman Abdurrahman Kawu Sumaila, OFR, Ph.D., the Governing Council, Faculty Members, Heads of Departments, staff, and students for their collective efforts and commitment, which made this milestone possible.

Al-Istiqama University remains resolute in sustaining and further enhancing the high standards that have earned it this prestigious recognition.

Signed:
Professor Abdulhadi Sale Kumurya
Vice-Chancellor
Al-Istiqama University, Sumaila, Kano State

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Legacy of a Progressive Intellectual: Symposium and Book Launch to Honor Late Comrade Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed mni in Abuja

Published

8 hours ago

on

April 16, 2026

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A coalition of friends, colleagues, and comrades will gather on April 29, 2026, to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of the late Comrade Abubakar Sokoto Mohammed mni, a titan of Nigerian progressive intellectualism and social justice.

Comrade Mohammed, who passed away on December 11, 2025, was widely regarded as an incorrigible patriot and a cornerstone of the socialist movement in Nigeria. Throughout a distinguished career spanning Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), he remained a steadfast advocate for academic freedom, gender equality, and the transformation of Africa.

The memorial event aims to honor his decades of struggle—from his pivotal role in the Movement for Progressive Nigeria (MPN) and the anti-apartheid movement to his contributions as a founding member of Women in Nigeria (WIN) and a staunch leader within the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

Event Highlights:

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• Symposium: Under the theme “Scholars and the Social Question in Nigeria: Reflections on the Life of A.S. Mohammed,” the session will be chaired by Senator Dr. Yahaya Abdullahi. Distinguished panelists include Dr. Yusuf Bangura, Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, Prof. Aliyah Adamu Ahmad, and Dr. Julie Sanda.
• Book Launch: The event will feature the formal presentation of Comrade Mohammed’s major original work, The Satiru Revolt of Peasants and Slaves in Sokoto, 1906. The session will be chaired by the former Governor of Sokoto State, H.E. Mal. Yahaya Abdulkarim mni, with a review by Prof. M. J. Kuna.
• Endowment Fund: All proceeds from the book launch will benefit an Endowment Fund established to support the late Comrade’s family and the noble causes he championed.
• Biographical Tribute: Dr. J. Maina will present a biographical sketch detailing the life of the man many knew as a “crusader for the common good.”

Event Details:

• DATE: April 29, 2026
• TIME: 9:00 AM
• VENUE: BON Elvis Hotel, 2 Monrovia Street, Wuse 2, Abuja

Comrade Sokoto mni lived a life that inspires, leaving a legacy worthy of preservation. By documenting his struggles and advancing the discourse on justice and development, we ensure that his rich engagements continue to inspire the hope of making Nigeria a better country.

Members of the general public, the academic community, civil society, labour and the media are cordially invited to attend this day of reflection and celebration. The occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on a life devoted to justice and nation-building while contributing to a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.

Y. Z. Ya’u

 

For the Committee

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