Education Minister Links Mass JAMB Failure to Crackdown on Exam Malpractice, Promises Broader Reform
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has responded to widespread concern over the poor performance in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), saying it reflects a significant breakthrough in the fight against examination malpractice.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Tuesday, Dr. Alausa explained that the sharp drop in high scores is not necessarily a sign of declining academic ability, but rather a result of stricter security measures that have made cheating in JAMB virtually impossible.
“This is a wake-up call,” the Minister said. “What we’re seeing is what happens when an exam is conducted with integrity. The numbers may be worrying, but they’re also proof that the system is finally working the way it should.”
According to recent data released by JAMB, of the 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the UTME, only about 420,000 scored above 200 less than 22% of the total. More than three-quarters of all test-takers fell below the 200-mark threshold, sparking nationwide debate about the state of education in Nigeria.
Dr. Alausa was quick to emphasize that the result reflects more than just academic preparedness, it reveals the extent to which past cheating had distorted the true picture. “JAMB uses a fully computer-based testing system with strict security protocols. This year, malpractice was virtually eliminated,” he said. “Unfortunately, the same cannot yet be said for WAEC and NECO.”
Upon assuming office, Dr. Alausa said one of the government’s early priorities was to conduct a full-scale review of Nigeria’s examination systems. That effort has led to a sweeping reform plan. Starting in November 2025, both WAEC and NECO will begin transitioning to computer-based testing (CBT) for objective papers. Full CBT adoption, including essay components, is scheduled for May/June 2026.
“The reality is, many students come from a system that allows them to cheat in WAEC or NECO, and then they face JAMB, where that’s no longer an option,” Alausa explained. “It’s a jarring transition. And that’s the gap we’re working hard to close.”
The Minister also spoke passionately about how cheating affects the morale of diligent students. “The worst part is how it discourages honest effort,” he said. “Imagine preparing day and night for WAEC, only to realize your classmates already have the questions. What message does that send? That kind of environment corrupts even the brightest minds, and we must put an end to it.”
When asked whether the disappointing JAMB results could be blamed on poor instruction or weak enforcement, Dr. Alausa acknowledged that both are factors—but stressed that systemic malpractice remains the core issue.
“We are working to improve teaching quality, integrating technology like online learning platforms at the primary and secondary levels. But if students believe they can pass simply by cheating, then we’re failing them before they even reach the classroom,” he said.
Dr. Alausa concluded with a message of hope and determination. “Our young people are smart, capable, and full of potential. The problem isn’t them, it’s the environment we’ve allowed to flourish. That’s what we’re committed to changing.”
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