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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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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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KEDCO Refutes Misleading Claims on Electricity Supply to Bayero University Kano

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Management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has refuted recent reports alleging that staff and students of Bayero University Kano (BUK) are grappling with unstable electricity supply.

 

This is contained in a statement signed by Sani Bala Sani Head of corporate communications Kano electricity Distribution Company.

Sani said the claims are false, misleading, and do not reflect the current reality of power supply to the institution.

Sani Bala said KEDCO is compelled to address the outright falsehoods in the claims made by sources from the institution in a recent report published by Daily Trust Newspaper titled: ‘How BUK’s Solar Project Collapsed, 2 Years After Commissioning’, on Saturday, 13th December 2025.

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According to Sani Bayero University Kano is supplied with Band A electricity supply, connected via the 33kV Rice Field Feeder, with a guaranteed minimum of 21 hours of electricity supply daily, in line with regulatory provisions. Records from KEDCO’s network operations clearly show consistent and reliable power delivery to the university’s main campuses.

The Head said recently a high-level engagements were held between the Management of Bayero University Kano and KEDCO, during which both parties reached a mutual understanding on strategic energy efficiency and cost-reduction measures. Chief among these resolutions is the separation of electricity supply to the staff quarters from the main academic complex, a step aimed at improving load management, transparency, and operational efficiency.

In line with this agreement, metering process has already commenced in the university’s staff quarters, covering both the old and new campuses and said the initiative will ensure accurate energy measurement, promote responsible consumption, and enhance service sustainability.

Sani Bala pointed out that KEDCO remains committed to providing reliable, quality, and transparent electricity supply to all its customers, including tertiary institutions. We encourage stakeholders and the general public to seek clarification from verified sources and avoid the dissemination of unverified reports that may cause unnecessary concern.

The company further pledges to work closely with Bayero University Kano and othe critical institutions to support uninterrupted academic and administrative activities through efficient power supply solutions.

He added that KEDCO remain committed to enhancing service delivery through continuous improvement in power supply, leveraging investment in network expansion and upgrades.

 

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Press Week: NUJ National President Inaugurates Kano Online Media Chapel Office

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As part of activities marking the celebration of Press Week 2025, the President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Comrade Alhasan Yahaya, has inaugurated the Online Media Chapel office at the headquarters of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kano Council.

Comrade Alhasan Yahaya, who was supported by the Chairman of the Kano Council of the NUJ, Comrade Suleiman Abdullahi Dederi, and the Chairman of the Kano Online Media Chapel, Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo, said the NUJ constitution, which was amended, co-opted online journalist practitioners into the NUJ. One of the key requirements for being a member of the NUJ Online Chapel is to have CAC registration, and one must be an editor or reporter of online media.

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Comrade Alhasan said that very soon the Nigeria Union of Journalists will come up with a scheme to ensure Nigerian journalists get insurance due to the hazards of the job.

Alhasan Yahaya added that private establishment practitioners will also benefit from the insurance scheme as they work hard to project the image of Nigeria.

On his part, the Kano State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, said the establishment of the Online Media Chapel was done with good intention.

He said that very soon the Government of Kano State will organize a retreat for online journalists in Kano, which will be held outside the state.

During the Press Week, awards were given to the Director General of Media and Communication to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Alhaji Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, among others.

The executives of the Online Media Chapel were inaugurated on the 27th of April at the Kano NUJ Press Center, led by Comrade Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo.

 

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Jigawa State Government to Renovate Government College Birnin Kudu

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Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has pledged to renovate the old premier Government College, Birnin Kudu, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening legacy educational institutions in the state.

The governor made the pledge during the 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Birnin Kudu Old Boys Association (BIKOBA), held at the college premises. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim.

According to the governor, priority attention is being given to long-established schools because of their historical significance and the calibre of leaders they have produced over the years. He noted that the history of Jigawa State cannot be adequately told without reference to Government College Birnin Kudu, given the role its alumni have played in the state’s development.

In his address, the National President of BIKOBA, Alh. (Dr.) Ja’afar Usman Muhammad (Turakin Gaya), highlighted the association’s sustained commitment to the growth of its alma mater, working in synergy with government and development partners. He commended the Jigawa State Government under Governor Namadi for allocating funds for the renovation of the school, describing the intervention as timely in view of prevailing economic challenges.

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Dr. Muhammad outlined BIKOBA’s interventions over the years, including support for water supply, desks and chairs, hostel facilities, laboratories, medical supplies, learning materials, and sporting equipment. He also acknowledged the contributions of partners such as the Dangote Foundation, Ganduje Foundation, Qatar International, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as well as class chapters and individual members.

The BIKOBA president, however, drew attention to lingering infrastructural and administrative challenges facing the college, appealing for increased financial support to rehabilitate secretariats and address critical needs. These include the reconstruction of hostels gutted by fire, renovation of dilapidated classrooms and administrative blocks, upgrading of computer centres, staff quarters, the college mosque, and conference and dining halls. He also urged government authorities to investigate alleged lapses in admission practices and restore proper entry standards to safeguard the school’s academic quality.

Chairman of the occasion, Pharmacist Hashim Ubale Yusuf, called on individual members to continue supporting the alumni association, describing such commitment as a legacy and source of inspiration for younger generations.

Also speaking, a former President of BIKOBA, Colonel Umaru Malami, cautioned members to use their time judiciously to positively impact themselves and society. He described age as transient and urged adherence to values taught by Islam. Colonel Malami further called on governments at all levels to focus on people-centred policies capable of improving living standards, rather than making empty or unrealistic promises.

The AGM concluded with calls for collective responsibility in preserving the heritage and academic standards of Government College Birnin Kudu.

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