In a highly anticipated move, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) unveiled the results of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), painting a picture of academic prowess and gender equality across Nigeria.
At a press conference held at the board’s headquarters in Bwari, Registrar Ishaq Oloyede revealed that out of the 1,842,464 released results, an impressive 0.4% of candidates soared above the 300 mark, with a substantial 24% achieving scores of 200 or more out of 400. However, a majority of candidates, totaling 76%, obtained scores below the 200 threshold.
The examination which started on Friday, April 19, ended on Monday, April 29. Out of the 1,989,668 registered candidates, 80, 810 were absent. A total of 1, 904, 189 sat the UTME within the six days of the examination.
“Out of the 1,842,464 released results, a paltry 0.4% scored above 300 while 24% scored 50% (200/400) and above,” Oloyede said.
While opting to withhold the names of the highest-scoring candidates, Oloyede emphasized the UTME’s role as a ranking examination, serving as a pivotal factor in assessing admission eligibility for tertiary institutions nationwide.
“It is common knowledge that the Board has, at various fora, restated its unwillingness to publish the names of its best-performing candidates, as it considers its UTME as only a ranking examination on account of the other parameters that would constitute what would later be considered the minimum admissible score for candidates seeking admission to tertiary institutions,” he said.
In a notable paradigm shift, female candidates outpaced their male counterparts in enrolment, marking a significant moment in gender diversity within the academic sphere. With over one million girls registering for the UTME, this trend represents a transformative leap forward not witnessed in three years.
Moreover, there was a commendable 36.2% increase in the enrolment of persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), signaling a progressive stride towards inclusivity and accessibility in education.
For candidates eager to check their results, the process has been streamlined for convenience. Instead of visiting crowded CBT centres or cybercafés, candidates can now access their scores effortlessly by texting UTMERESULT to 55019 or 66019 using the phone numbers used for registration. This user-friendly approach ensures accessibility and eliminates unnecessary hassle, aligning with JAMB’s commitment to efficiency and transparency in the examination process.
As the nation grapples with the implications of this year’s UTME results, they serve as a beacon of hope for higher education, underscoring the importance of meritocracy and inclusive participation in shaping the future of Nigeria’s academic landscape.