JAMB Mass Failure 2025 Shows System is Now Cheating-Proof — Education Minister
In a bold declaration, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has said that the recent mass failure in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), is not a failure of the system — but rather a sign that the system is finally working.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Dr. Alausa described the results as a clear reflection of JAMB’s strengthened integrity through its computer-based testing (CBT) system. He emphasized that the high rate of failure is largely due to the eradication of examination malpractice.
“It’s evidence that exams are now being conducted the right way,” he said. “Students who used to rely on shortcuts can no longer do so in JAMB, and that’s why we are seeing these results. While unfortunate, it is proof that the system is no longer compromised.”
The Minister drew comparisons with other national exams like WAEC and NECO, where cheating still occurs. He noted that many students cruise through secondary school by dishonest means, only to face the harsh reality of a transparent, cheat-proof UTME.
To fix this inconsistency, Dr. Alausa announced a major reform: by November 2025, WAEC and NECO will begin transitioning to computer-based testing. By 2027, all major examination bodies — including WAEC, NECO, EMBRAS, and NBTEB — will be fully digitized.
“We must use technology to fight exam fraud,” he stated. “Our mission is to dismantle the entire malpractice ecosystem, which includes not just students, but parents and invigilators as well.”
Dr. Alausa, who once served as a primary and secondary school teacher, expressed deep concern over how exam malpractice demoralizes honest students and damages the credibility of Nigeria’s education system.
“When students know their peers have access to leaked exam questions, they lose the motivation to study,” he added. “That breeds a culture of shortcuts, and we must end that.”
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to restoring integrity in education and building a system that rewards effort, not manipulation. He praised Nigerian youths as capable, energetic, and full of potential — if given a fair environment to grow.
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Salahdeen HI is a seasoned e-learning, education, and ICT professional with years of experience driving innovation in the education sector. He is the founder of Edunaija, one of Nigeria’s leading education blogs, where he shares insights, resources, and updates to support students and educators alike. Beyond his work in education technology, Salahdeen is also a passionate content creator and blogger, using digital platforms to inform, empower, and inspire. His professional journey includes notable roles such as working in the Lagos State Governor’s Office, focusing on Systems Support and Computer Education across Education Districts. Through Edunaija and his digital content, Salahdeen is committed to leveraging technology to transform education in Nigeria.