The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: Education

  • IMT Enugu, UNICROSS Sign Landmark Agreement on HND Top-Up, Postgraduate Programmes

    IMT Enugu, UNICROSS Sign Landmark Agreement on HND Top-Up, Postgraduate Programmes

    The Institute of Management and Technology has entered into a strategic academic partnership with the University of Cross River State to provide top-up degree programmes and postgraduate studies for Nigerian students.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Thursday, marks a significant step toward bridging the long-standing gap between Higher National Diploma (HND) and university degree qualifications in Nigeria.
    Speaking at the ceremony, the Rector of IMT described the agreement as a “historic milestone” in the institution’s pursuit of academic excellence, collaboration, and human capital development.

    He explained that the partnership would enable holders of HND certificates from polytechnics across the country to upgrade their qualifications to Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) and Bachelor of Arts (B.A) degrees through a structured top-up programme.

    According to him, the initiative is designed to eliminate barriers that have historically limited the academic and professional progression of HND graduates.
    “This partnership is not merely a formal agreement; it is a strategic alliance aimed at expanding opportunities and creating a seamless pathway for academic growth,” the Rector stated.

    In addition to the top-up programme, the collaboration will also facilitate postgraduate studies in over twenty academic disciplines, thereby strengthening research capacity and equipping graduates with advanced skills for global competitiveness.

    The Rector emphasized that the success of the programme would be anchored on mutual trust, shared values, and a commitment to maintaining high academic standards.
    He further commended UNICROSS for its willingness to collaborate, noting that both institutions share a common vision for quality education and societal impact.

    In his speech, the Vice Chancellor, University of Cross River represented by the Director, Center for Educational Services, UNICROSS Dr. Nsed Ayip Akonjom expressed excitement with the partnership. He conveyed the excitement of the Vice Chancellor to IMT and promised that UNICROSS will give the programme the attention it deserves.

    The initiative is expected to benefit students, academic staff, and the broader Nigerian education sector by promoting inclusivity and innovation.

    Education stakeholders have described the partnership as a timely intervention capable of redefining higher education pathways in Nigeria.

  • FG Approves N4Bn Each for 12 Universities to Upgrade Engineering Facilities

     

    The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa. Credit: X | Maruf Tunji Alausa

    The Federal Government has approved N4 billion each for 12 selected universities of engineering and technology to rehabilitate workshops and procure modern equipment.

    The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Monday at the inauguration of the Implementation Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund Special High-Impact Intervention Projects in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the intervention targets the rehabilitation of engineering and technology faculties in Federal Universities of Technology and conventional universities nationwide.

    Beneficiary institutions include FUT Minna, FUT Akure, FUT Babura, FUT Ikot-Abasi, FUT Owerri, and the Nigerian Army University, Biu.

    Other beneficiaries are the African Aviation and Aerospace University, Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, and the University of Ilesha, Osun.

    Alausa said the funds would either upgrade existing facilities or support the construction of new engineering workshops where necessary.

    He explained that the initiative, implemented through TETFund, is designed to strengthen practical training and bridge the gap between theory and industry requirements.

    According to the minister, the intervention aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which prioritises skills development and economic diversification.

    “The High-Impact Intervention Project is a strategic initiative aimed at upgrading laboratories, workshops, and research facilities, positioning our institutions as hubs of innovation and practical problem solving.

    “However, funding alone does not guarantee results. Success depends on effective implementation, strict adherence to standards, transparency, and accountability, which is why this committee is both necessary and timely.

    “Your mandate is clear: monitor project execution, ensure compliance with approved specifications and timelines, evaluate outcomes, identify challenges, and provide objective reports to guide policy decisions.

    “You are entrusted with safeguarding public investment and ensuring value for money. Every facility delivered under this intervention must reflect quality, sustainability, and relevance to national needs,” he said.

    Alausa added that the special intervention would provide modern workshops, advanced laboratories, and industry-relevant equipment to improve graduate employability.

    He further noted that an additional N20 billion had been provided in the 2026 TETFund guidelines to upgrade engineering facilities in other selected institutions.

    The minister tasked the committee with submitting periodic reports and recommending sanctions for non-compliant institutions to the ministry and TETFund.

    The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for approving reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s education landscape.

    Echono described the ceremony as one of several initiatives endorsed by the President to reposition tertiary institutions and strengthen teaching and learning infrastructure.

    He also commended the National Assembly for its efforts to restore first- and second-generation universities to global standards.

    Speaking on behalf of the committee members, Ali Rabiu, President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and chairman of the committee, pledged commitment to the successful implementation of the project.

    Rabiu said the assignment was a distinct honour and expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in the committee members and their respective organisations.

    “The committee accepts this responsibility and will contribute meaningfully to the success of the initiative,” he said.

    He also commended the federal government’s efforts to strengthen engineering training and promote hands-on interventions in universities. NAN

  • NECO releases 2025 SSCE external results with 71.63% pass rate

    NECO releases 2025 SSCE external results with 71.63% pass rate

    The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External results, recording a 71.63 per cent pass rate.

    The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim-Wushishi, announced this at a news conference on Wednesday at the council’s headquarters in Minna.

    Ibrahim-Wushishi said the examination was conducted from Nov. 26 to Dec. 13, 2025, while the marking exercise took place between Jan. 5 and Jan. 21, 2026.

    He noted that the results were released 52 days after the last written paper.

    According to him, 96,979 candidates registered for the examination, comprising 51,823 males (53.43 per cent) and 45,156 females (46.56 per cent).

    He said 95,160 candidates sat for the examination, including 50,785 males (53.36 per cent) and 44,375 females (46.63 per cent).

    The registrar disclosed that 93,425 candidates sat for English Language, out of which 73,167 candidates, representing 78.32 per cent, obtained credit and above.

    He added that 93,330 candidates sat for mathematics, with 85,256 candidates, representing 91.35 per cent, scoring credit and above.

    Ibrahim-Wushishi said 68,166 candidates, representing 71.63 per cent, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

    He added that 82,082 candidates, representing 86.26 per cent, obtained five credits and above, irrespective of English Language and Mathematics.

    The registrar explained that the SSCE external provided a second opportunity for candidates seeking admission into universities and other tertiary institutions within and outside Nigeria.

    He said the examination covered 16 subjects and described the release of the results as another milestone in NECO’s mandate to deliver credible assessments.

    Ibrahim-Wushishi disclosed that 9,016 candidates were booked for various forms of examination malpractice during the exercise.

    He said the figure was higher than the 6,160 candidates booked in 2024, representing an increase of 31.7 per cent.

    The registrar added that five supervisors were recommended for blacklisting for aiding and abetting malpractice.

    According to him, two of the supervisors are from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), while one each is from Kano, Adamawa and Ondo states.

    He also said four examination centres were recommended for derecognition over whole-centre malpractice.

    He said two of the centres were from Niger, while one each was from Yobe and Kano states.

    The registrar advised candidates to check their results on NECO’s website, www.neco.gov.ng, using their examination registration numbers.

    He also announced the release of the 2026 Automated Staff Posting Calendar (APC).

    Ibrahim-Wushishi explained that staff postings would now be randomised, adding that staff could access their posting status online.

    He said staff could check their APC details at https://apcic.neco.gov.ng/myapc using their date of birth and file number without the prefix “P”. (NAN)

  • FG, ASUU Sign Landmark Deal: Lecturers Get 40% Pay Rise, New Allowances

    FG, ASUU Sign Landmark Deal: Lecturers Get 40% Pay Rise, New Allowances

    The federal government has approved a 40 per cent salary increase for academic staff in federal universities, sealing a new agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) after more than 16 years of stalled negotiations.

    The deal, unveiled in Abuja on Monday by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, includes enhanced pensions, a redesigned funding framework, and the introduction of a Professorial Head Allowance — the first of its kind.
    Alausa said the agreement takes effect from January 1, 2026, and is designed to stabilise the university system, improve welfare, and halt the persistent disruption of academic calendars.

    “For the first time in the history of this country, a sitting president took full control, full ownership of this long-standing challenge that confronted the educational system,” he said.

    The minister said professors will now retire at 70 with pensions equivalent to their final annual salary. A National Research Council will also be established with statutory funding of at least one per cent of the GDP to support research, innovation, and development.

    Alausa explained that the 40 per cent pay rise will be captured under the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance, covering journal publications, conference participation, internet access, professional membership, and book allowances.

    He added that the new structure provides an additional N1.8 million per professor annually, describing it as “structural, practical, and transformative.”

    The minister praised President Bola Tinubu for what he described as “unwavering commitment” to resolving the prolonged dispute, saying the new framework would “strengthen our tertiary educational institutions, inspire our academics and secure the future of our nation.”

    ASUU reacts

    ASUU president Chris Piwuna welcomed the agreement, saying it brings to an end a protracted renegotiation process that started in 2017.

    “The 2009 agreement was due for renegotiation in 2012, but it dragged on due to the poverty of sincerity in government,” he said.

    Piwuna traced the long timeline of failed renegotiation committees — from Wale Babalakin in 2017 to Munzali Jibrin in 2021, and Nimi Briggs in 2022 — until the Yayale Ahmed-led team achieved a breakthrough in 2025.

    He said the new agreement addresses funding, conditions of service, university autonomy, academic freedom, and systemic reforms aimed at reversing decay and curbing brain drain.
    But he warned that internal governance and autonomy issues remain unresolved.

    “In practice, councils are often subordinated to the whims of government authorities… preferred candidates were imposed despite not emerging as the best-ranked,” he said.
    Piwuna also criticised corruption, weak oversight, and what he called the “consultancy syndrome” in universities.

    Experts, students welcome deal but demand sincerity

    Education analysts and students described the agreement as a major milestone but urged sincerity and full implementation to avoid a repeat of past failures.

    Prof Dagi Uzziah Dagi of MOAUM said the 40 per cent pay rise is “significant and welcome” but warned that “it may not completely end the industrial relations crisis unless it is fully implemented in good faith.”

    NANS spokesperson Adeyemi Samson said the deal could stabilise the sector and improve teaching and research but insisted on transparency and stronger oversight.

    “Each party should fulfil their part,” he said, recommending that any future agreement should include penalties for non-compliance by either side.

  • ASUU Threatens Full Strike Action

    ASUU Threatens Full Strike Action

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) yesterday warned of a full-blown strike due to the discouraging manner it said the federal government had been handling the industrial dispute it declared.

    Chairman of Ibadan zone of the union, through its coordinator, Professor Biodun Olaniran, who disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, stated that government officials were feeding the public with false news, frustrating efforts to speedily conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement.

    ASUU stated that its real demand was the re-negotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement being currently handled by the Alhaji Yayale Ahmed-led committee that would produce a new salary structure to replace the Consolidated University Salary Scale (CONUASS) given the galloping inflation in the country since then.

    The union declared a two-week warning strike on  October 13, but  the strike was suspended five days to its expiry due to perceived genuine interventions from students, parents, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), the media and all other critical stakeholders.

    The union then gave a month’s window in line with the ultimatum given by the NLC for governments to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU agreement as well as to resolve all the associated issues.

    ASUU Ibadan zone comprises the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Osun State University, Osogbo, Kwara State University, Malete and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo (Adefemi Afolabi -ASUU-UI, Alex Akanmu, ASUU-UNILORIN, Ben Olujimi Dada-   ASUU-LAUTECH, Olaosebikan Wende, ASUU-UNIOSUN, Shehu  Abdulganiyu Salau- ASUU-KWASUMichael Bamidele Ojo -ASUU-EAUED”

    The zonal press conference was addressed by the zonal coordinator, Professor Biodun Olaniran, who was flanked by other chairmen from the zone.

    According to Olaniran, ASUU had expected that a government focused on national development, technological innovation and advancement would spare no effort to work within the deadline by giving a marching order to its agents; unfortunately, the government had been dealing with the without the seriousness the issues deserve.

    “Regrettably, just about eight days to the expiration of the one-month window, nothing significant has been done other than the usual misinformation, disinformation and propaganda,” he said.

  • Ebonyi varsity holds 3rd EBSULINGS Conference, highlights language’s role in digital era

    Ebonyi varsity holds 3rd EBSULINGS Conference, highlights language’s role in digital era

    The critical role of language in an age dominated by technology, security concerns, and socio-economic development was the central focus of the 3rd Linguistics International Interdisciplinary Hybrid Conference (EBSULINGS 2025), held at Ebonyi State University (EBSU) on October 8, 2025.

    Under the theme, “Language, Technoscience, Security, and Socio-economic Development: Towards a Holistic Digital Society,”

    The conference brought together academics, government officials, and stakeholders to explore the dynamic intersection of these four pillars.

    The event was chaired by Engr. Stanley Lebechi Mbam, the Hon. Commissioner for Works and Transport in Ebonyi State, stressed the vital importance of preserving indigenous languages, particularly Igbo.

    Lebechi commended EBSU’s move to include language in the school curriculum but strongly advocated for a broader effort, urging parents to take ownership of teaching their children their mother tongue (L tongue).

    “The English we speak here is a borrowed language,” Engr. Lebechi stated.

    “You can see that most of our children now barely speak their language… your L tongue should not be forgotten because that’s who you are and where you come from.”

    He also expressed surprise at the low student turnout, encouraging the faculty to boost participation to instill pride in their native language.

    Dr Chibo Goodluck Nwode, Head of the Department of Language and Linguistics at EBSU, echoed this sentiment, arguing that language is the fundamental key to all societal structures, including technology, socio-economics, and policy.

    “Language is a mirror where one can see,” Dr Nwode said, pushing back against the notion that only fields like law or medicine hold value.

    He proudly noted the global recognition of the Igbo language, citing examples of individuals receiving awards and opportunities abroad, including an Igbo transcriber at Oxford University.

    Dr Nwode painted the decline of local dialect as a threat of extinction to the language itself, imploring parents to make their language the primary mode of communication at home to safeguard cultural identity and knowledge.

    Dr Jeremiah Anene Nwankwegu, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, described the gathering as “more than academic ritual,” calling it a conversation “at the crossroads of language, technoscience, security, and socio-economic development.”

    He affirmed that language is not a passive ornament but an active agent in shaping a digital, holistic future.

    Similarly, Prof. Nkechi Emma Echiegu, Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, highlighted the four conference pillars as crucial in shaping the modern world, underscoring that development is nurtured through dialogue and collaboration.

    The conference also included an award ceremony recognising individuals for their humanitarian work.

    The organisers seized the opportunity to appeal to the awardees and alumni for philanthropic support.

    Dr Nwankwegu urged them to remember the Igbo language and the department, calling the language a “soul, a heritage, a repository of wisdom.”

    Dr Nwode highlighted pressing departmental needs for sustained growth, including the introduction of cutting-edge areas like computational linguistics and natural language processing, which require equipment and staffing, improved internet facilities, and a modernised multimedia laboratory.

    The department has already taken a significant step by introducing the study of Igbo language University-wide to preserve the “heartbeat of our cultural identity.”

    The conference concluded with the shared hope that the deliberations would translate into actionable policies, collaborative research, and practical interventions to ensure that language remains at the forefront of the quest for an equitable, sustainable, and connected digital society.

  • Over 60% credit English, Maths as NECO releases results 

    Over 60% credit English, Maths as NECO releases results 

    No fewer than 818,492 candidates, which represents 60.26%, who sat for the 2025 Senior Secondary School Examination, SSCE, organised by the National Examination Council, NECO, recorded five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

    Similarly, 1,144,496 students also recorded five credits and above, irrespective of mathematics and English in the examination.

    Recall that 1,367,310 candidates, comprising 680,292 males and 678,047 females, sat for the examination nationwide

    The results were released 54 days after the conduct of the last paper.

    Announcing the results at the headquarters of the council in Minna, Niger State, yesterday, the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, disclosed that 38 schools were found to have been involved in malpractices in 13 states.

    He said: “38 schools across 13 states in the country were involved in whole school cheating and the schools will be invited to the council for discussion, after which appropriate sanctions will be applied.

    “Also, 3,878 candidates were involved in various forms of examination malpractices, against 10,094 candidates last year.’’

    Wushishi also disclosed that nine supervisors, including three in Rivers State; one in Niger; three in Federal Capital Territory, FCT; one in Kano; and one in Osun, were also found guilty of various forms of malpractices.

    “The affected supervisors have been recommended for blacklisting due to poor supervision, aiding and abetting, lateness, unruly behaviour, assault and insubordination,’’ the Registrar declared.

    He disclosed that eight schools were affected by communal clash in Adamawa State, which led to the disruption of the examinations from July 7 to 25, adding that 13 subjects, 29 papers and 559 students were affected.

    He said the council had commenced talks with the state government, with a view to conducting the examinations for the affected schools, pointing out that the results of the affected schools could not be released now because they were incomplete.

  • JUST-IN: WAEC detects errors in results, commences review, directs candidates to recheck scores in 24hrs

    JUST-IN: WAEC detects errors in results, commences review, directs candidates to recheck scores in 24hrs

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has urged candidates of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) who have previously checked their results to re-check after 24 hours.

    A statement signed by Ag. Head of WAEC’s Public Affairs, Yaba, Lagos, Moyosola Adesina, and published on their verified X handle on Thursday, explained that a technical issue was discovered during the internal review of the recently released results.

    “The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) sincerely regrets to inform the general public of technical issues discovered during the internal review of the recently released results of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for School Candidates (SC) 2025.

    “As part of our efforts to curb examination malpractice, the Council embarked on an innovation (paper serialization) already deployed by a national examination body. It is also worth noting that this is in line with best practices in assessment. The paper serialization was carried out in Mathematics, English Language, Biology and Economics. However, an internal post result release procedure revealed some technical bugs in the results, “ the statement said.

    It noted, however, that the Council has started a review to correct the technical glitches that led to the situation, noting that as a result, access to the WASSCE (SC) 2025 results has been temporarily denied on the result checker portal.

    “The Council, being a responsive body that is sensitive to fairness and professionalism, has decided to urgently review and correct the technical glitches that led to the situation, as a result, access to the WASSCE (SC) 2025 results has been temporarily denied on the result checker portal,” it said.

    The Council expressed regret over the hitches, adding that it is working diligently to resolve the matter with transparency and urgency within the next twenty-four (24) hours.

    “We extend our deep and sincere apologies to all affected candidates and the general public. We appreciate their patience and understanding as we work diligently to resolve this matter with transparency and urgency within the next twenty-four (24) hours. On this note, candidates who have previously checked their results are advised to re-check after 24 hours from now.

    “WAEC remains committed to upholding excellence, fairness and transparency in all our assessment processes.

    “Thank you for always counting on our integrity and reposing confidence in us to render quality service to the Nigerian child,” the statement said.

    It would be recalled that the results of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) were released by the Council on Monday.

    A total of 1,973,365 candidates from 23,554 recognised secondary schools across Nigeria registered for the major examination.

    Out of these, 1,969,313 candidates sat for the examination.

    According to WAEC, only 38.32 per cent of candidates obtained credit and above in a minimum of five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, a significant drop from the 72.12 per cent recorded in 2024.

  • WAEC Sues For Calm Over Shutdown of Result Checker Portal

    WAEC Sues For Calm Over Shutdown of Result Checker Portal

    The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that its result checker portal has been temporarily shut down due to technical issues.

    The council made this known in a public notice shared via its official X handle on Wednesday.

    “WAEC hereby informs the general public that the result checker portal @waecdirect.org is temporarily shut down due to technical issues.

    “However, the council is working assiduously to ensure that candidates are able to access their results in the next 24 hours,” the statement read.

    WAEC further appealed for patience from candidates and stakeholders.

    The update came just days after the council formally announced the release of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results.

    The announcement was made on Monday, August 4, 2025, via the council’s verified handle.

    The results were originally made accessible through the official WAEC direct portal and SMS platforms.

    However, the temporary shutdown of the main result checker site has left many students unable to view their results.

    Despite the inconvenience, WAEC assured all affected candidates that the issue was being addressed and normal access would resume shortly.

    It advised the affected candidates to monitor its official social media pages for updates and not to fall prey to unofficial websites or individuals promising alternative access to results. Channels TV

  • JAMB Sets 150 As Cut-Off Mark For Universities

    JAMB Sets 150 As Cut-Off Mark For Universities

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set 150 as the cut-off mark for admission into universities in the country.

    JAMB made the decision on Tuesday during the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

    It said the cut-off mark for colleges for nursing is 140, colleges of agriculture 100, and colleges of education 100.

    “The minimum admissible scores for admissions for the next academic session have been fixed at 150 for universities, 100 for polytechnics, 100 for colleges of education, and 140 for colleges of nursing sciences by the stakeholders (Heads of Tertiary Institutions),” JAMB wrote on its X handle.

    Meanwhile, the Federal Government has pegged the minimum admissible age for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria at 16 years.

    Minister of Education Tunji Alausa announced this on Tuesday during the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions.

    The age requirement will be enforced through its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), with efforts made to accommodate candidates who would turn 16 by 31st August 2025. Channels TV

  • JUST-IN: FG Sets Minimum Admission Age For Tertiary Institutions At 16

    JUST-IN: FG Sets Minimum Admission Age For Tertiary Institutions At 16

    The federal government has officially put the entry admission age into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions at age 16.

    This came as the government warned that any admission conducted outside the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) would be illegal and perpetrators be prosecuted.

    Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa said this on Tuesday while declaring open the ongoing Policy Meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in Abuja.

    The Minister warned that any head of institution found to be engaged in admission fraud would face prosecution.

    Alausa declared that the official age of 16 set by the government is not negotiable.

  • JAMB withholds 39,834 results over exam malpractices

    JAMB withholds 39,834 results over exam malpractices

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has withheld the results of 39,834 candidates over alleged involvement in examination malpractices in the just concluded 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results.

    JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede made this during the official release of the 2025 UTME results in Abuja on Friday.

    He also revealed that 80 individuals were currently under investigation for examination-related offences, with Anambra State recording the highest number of suspects with 14 in total.

    The Registrar noted that 467 underage candidates scored above the minimum benchmark, while 50 others were found to be involved in examination fraud.

    A total of 2,030,862 candidates registered for the 2025 UTME, which was conducted across 882 CBT centres, each of which was generally monitored by 10 invigilators of different categories.

    “A total of 39, 834 results remain unreleased. Of these, 1,426 results are under scrutiny and processing,” Oloyede said.

    According to the JAMB boss, out of the figure, 96 candidates results were withheld over exam malpractices, a decrease from 123 in the previous year.

    Oloyede said the Board remained resolute in its commitment to eliminating any form of examination malpractice, adding that 1,957,000 candidates were verified to sit for the exam, while 71,705 were absent.

    According to him, 2,157 candidates experienced fingerprint rejections due to suspected registration infractions, a figure, he said, was far above acceptable margins and currently under investigation.

    “The 2025 UTME showed the prevalence of some particular types of infractions, which suggests systemic vulnerabilities or gaps in registration and examination administration or/and monitoring.

    “The new trends observed were in the Registration and Examination processes and they were mainly in the following categories: Identity Fraud, and Biometric Fraud of Combined Thumbprint of Candidate,” he said.

    Other infractions, he said, were impersonator at the point of registration with the active involvement of few CBT Centres, double registration, and attempted substitution of self by candidates.

    Oloyede added that 244 candidates were caught engaging in “WhatsApp runs,” subscribing to rogue groups promising leaked questions.

    He said their results had also been withheld to set a stern example.

    In some cases, he said, the entire syndicates colluded with CBT centres to register using multiple fingerprints.

    According to him, as a result of this, 3,656 candidates with “extraneous fingerprints” have had their results withheld, and some CBT centres implicated will face sanctions.

    He identified the centres as Tigh Technologies Limited, Sascon International School, Maitama, Abuja, Wudil Computer Information Technology. Wudil, Kano State and Penta M &Amp; Centre 2, Tambuwal LGA, Sokoto, Sokoto State.

    Oloyede added that 80 suspects were being interrogated by the police for their involvement in the examination malpractices and most of them would be prosecuted.

    “The Board has identified the presence of extraneous fingers in the registration details of some of these candidates. This raises concerns regarding potential strategies for impersonation.

    “A total of 3,656 candidates fall within this category. Consequently, the results of the candidates have been withheld.

    Speaking on underage candidates, Oloyede noted that as earlier approved by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, opportunity was provided for underage candidates (16 years and below) to showcase their academic abilities.

    He also recalled that at the last Policy Meeting of the admission policy of the Board, stakeholders resolved to implement the prescribed 16-year minimum age for entry into tertiary institutions, and to raise it to 18 years from 2025, but the Minister on resumption of office upheld the 16-year minimum entry age but halted the implementation of the proposal to raise it to 18 years from 2025.

    “Even then, provision was made as obtainable in other climes for proven and exceptionally brilliant candidates.

    “Unfortunately, some vested interests created a wrong impression that the Minister of Education has reviewed downward the prescribed 16-year minimum age for tertiary education.

    “But in compliance with regulations regarding the stipulated minimum admissible age, the Board restricted registration to candidates who meet the stipulated criteria.

    “However, it provided an opportunity for acclaimed exceptionally-gifted candidates to demonstrate their abilities as long as their performance in UTME, SSCE, P-UTME and Gifted Candidate Test, attest to their being exceptionally gifted.

    “While we recognise that maturity is often correlated with biological age, we also acknowledge that there are exceptional cases.

    “A total of 41,027 candidates registered for the UTME under this underage category, with assurance that they would face the consequences if they do not meet the prescribed score.

    “At the end, only 467 candidates attained the minimum UTME score for exceptional candidates, and they are being processed for the remaining 3 stages of assessment.

    “Successful candidates have been notified of their achievement, while those who do not meet the threshold have also been notified of their inability to meet the prescribed minimum score.”

    JAMB Registrar also stated that 50 of the underage candidates were implicated in a cheating syndicate scandal.

    The results for underage candidates as released by JAMB indicated that 467 candidates (1.16%) scored 320 and above; 667 candidates (1.66%) scored 300 to 319; 4, 665 candidates (11.59%) scored 250 to 299; 12, 357 (30.69%) scored 200 to 249; 15, 978 candidates (39.69%) scored 160 to 199; 5,528 candidates (13.73%) scored 140 to 159; 5,541 candidates (1.38%) scored 120 to 139; 30 candidates (0.07%) scored 100 to 119; 15 candidates (0.04%) scored below 100.

    He said that the Board remained committed to providing the necessary support for persons with disabilities aspiring to pursue tertiary education.

    He said that for the 2025 UTME, a total of 501 candidates were successfully examined by JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG) across 11 centres nationwide.

    According to Oloyede, the results are also being released but sadly, one of them was also involved in impersonation.

    The registrar also said that due to substandard performance, four centres had been delisted and blacklisted for technical deficiencies

    He therefore said that a list of those blacklisted for fraudulent practices would soon be made public with details of their nefarious activities.

    Oloyede maintained that in spite of challenges, the 2025 UTME had been hailed as one of the most successful in recent years.

    He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to zero-tolerance stance on malpractice and pledged continued innovation to protect the credibility of public examinations.

    On how to check the UTME results, Oloyede said : ” To check the 2025 UTME results, candidates should send by text message “UTMERESULT” as one word to 55019 or 66019 using the same phone number they had used to register during the registration process. Result printing will be available later.” Tribune