Chinedum Elekwachi
Former Vice Chancellor, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra state, Prof Ilochi Okafor has expressed disappointment over the 2025 university Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Okafor regretted widespread concern the results have sparked, particularly in Anambra State and several other education-strong regions.
According to him, thousands of students, many of whom are academically sound and well-prepared received scores below 200, an ugly development he observed had triggered confusion, frustration, and suspicion.
In his release titled, “Why Are UTME Scores in Anambra and Other States So Low? The JAMB Algorithm Must Be Reviewed” Okafor, called for immediate investigation into centres in Anambra and other affected states.
He also canvassed for clear explanation on the moderation of scores as well as an independent review of the JAMB algorithm and its moderation process.
Okafor, who is the Chairman School Management Board Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Onitsha, argued that the pattern is too glaring to ignore.
“Candidates from multiple centres across Anambra and some neighboring states are reporting scores clustered between 130 and 180.
“This is not only unexpected, but highly inconsistent with the reputation and performance history of these regions. Did the JAMB Algorithm Work Against These States?
“JAMB uses an automated scoring and moderation system, commonly referred to as the JAMB algorithm.
“It is designed to detect malpractice, flag irregular patterns, and adjust scores where it suspects cheating.
He however regretted that the technology introduced to enhance integrity must have malfunctioned or went too far.
“What appears to have happened is this: if a centre was flagged for possible irregularities, the algorithm likely moderated all results from that centre downward, punishing even innocent, hard working candidates.
“This method, though meant to protect integrity, ends up destroying trust, fairness, and the academic future of honest students.
For states like Anambra, where students have repeatedly demonstrated academic excellence, Prof. Okafor described such blanket penalties as not just unfair, but also unjust.
The human cost of a flawed system
“Think about this, a student had studied diligently for months, excelled in mock exams, and dreams of studying medicine or engineering.
“That student walks confidently out of the UTME exam hall, only to receive a score of 160. For many, that score means lost admission opportunities, lost confidence, and a crushed spirit.
Prof Okafor wondered why students’ failure is now traceable to the very system that should promote fairness in the examination.
“One urgent reform that JAMB must implement is instant score display at the end of the exam. If the UTME is truly a Computer-Based Test (CBT), then there’s no reason why candidates should have to wait days only to receive potentially manipulated or moderated
scores.
The legal luminary argued that displaying scores immediately after the exam ends will promote transparency and trust.
According to him, such will also reduce suspicion and controversy as well as ensure the early spotting of any errors or discrepancies.
Such technology will equally enable students to take responsibility for their performance or contest it, if necessary.
“This feature is standard in many global tests like GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL. Nigerian candidates deserve the same level of dignity and clarity.
“The integrity of any exam body lies in the fairness of its process. The current situation where entire regions are seemingly punished due to algorithmic suspicion is unacceptable.
“Anambra and other affected states deserve answers. More importantly, our students deserve justice. Let JAMB fix this now before we lose the trust of a generation.”
