The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has acknowledged receiving an unexpected wave of public complaints following the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results. The results were officially released last Friday, but candidates across Nigeria have raised concerns about possible irregularities.

Recall that JAMB released 2025 UTME results last Friday.

Due to the volume of feedback, JAMB is fast-tracking its yearly system review. This review, usually conducted months after the UTME, examines the registration process, the examination itself, and the final release of results. This early move is aimed at maintaining transparency and trust, especially for students relying on these scores for university admission in Nigeria.

Some of the complaints are coming from specific states, where candidates say there may have been technical issues during the test. In line with its commitment to fairness, JAMB is currently investigating these claims thoroughly.

The board has brought in experts from respected organizations, such as the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria and Vice Chancellors from top institutions, to help with the review.

If any glitches are confirmed, JAMB has promised to act quickly and fairly. Their usual response to technical issues includes rescheduling the exam or adjusting results, ensuring no candidate is left behind due to system faults.

This approach supports higher education in Nigeria and builds confidence in computer-based testing systems.

Jigawa State has taken a bold step toward youth empowerment and economic development with the official launch of a state-of-the-art Technical and Vocational Training Center in Garki, located in Garki Local Government Area.

This new center, designated as a Center of Excellence, is a key project under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi and is designed to equip young people with practical skills for the modern workforce.

During the commissioning ceremony, Governor Namadi described the project as a landmark achievement for the state’s education sector. According to him, the center represents a new beginning in the effort to raise educational standards and boost job readiness among the youth in Jigawa.

The foundation for the center was laid by the previous administration, which initially constructed the institution at a cost of almost ₦635 million. However, upon taking office, Governor Namadi’s administration restructured and expanded the facility. Major renovations were carried out, including the addition of new hostels and general improvements to existing infrastructure. This phase alone cost nearly ₦700 million.

To raise the bar in technical education, the state government has committed to further developments. Governor Namadi announced the approval of a ₦600 million contract for the construction of a modern workshop and an additional ₦3.1 billion to be spent on technical and vocational training equipment. These investments aim to create an environment that supports hands-on learning and prepares students for in-demand careers.

The newly upgraded training center has already started admitting its first batch of students. Over 200 students—both male and female—were selected through a rigorous examination and interview process conducted across the 27 local government areas in the state. According to the Governor, eight top-performing students were chosen from each area, ensuring equal representation and access.

The institution is kicking off with three core programs: Welding and Fabrication, Building Technology, and Catering Services. These courses were carefully selected to match the growing demand for skilled workers in the job market. The Governor emphasized that more programs will be added as additional workshops and equipment become available.

This move is part of Jigawa State’s broader plan to create opportunities through skill acquisition and practical education. The long-term vision includes building a pipeline of trained individuals who will continue their studies at the Babura Higher Institution for Vocational and Technical Training. This senior-level institution will also receive significant investment—over ₦20 billion—to ensure world-class facilities and training equipment.

Governor Namadi highlighted that similar centers are being planned across the state. These will focus on various trades such as painting, scaffolding, fabrication, and other key technical areas. By expanding access to skill-based education, the state aims to reduce unemployment and prepare its youth for careers in industries like construction, hospitality, and engineering.

This initiative directly supports high-priority goals such as youth empowerment, job creation, and technical skill development. It also aligns with national objectives to reduce reliance on white-collar jobs and promote entrepreneurship. By focusing on vocational training, Jigawa State is creating a future where young people have the tools they need to succeed—whether through employment or starting their own businesses.

The Governor reassured the public that the administration is fully committed to making education and skills training accessible to all students in Jigawa. He stressed the importance of building a strong foundation for the next generation and offering them a real chance to pursue fulfilling careers.

The commissioning event was attended by high-ranking officials, including the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmed, the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, and other notable figures. Their presence underscored the significance of the project and the broad support it has gained both within and outside the state.

With this launch, Jigawa joins other forward-thinking states investing in technical and vocational education as a pathway to long-term economic growth and stability.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is expected to maintain the minimum cut-off mark for the 2025 UTME admission process. Based on trends from previous years, candidates seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions should expect that the national minimum score will remain at 140 for universities and 100 for polytechnics and colleges of education.

The UTME, which is conducted annually as a Computer-Based Test (CBT), remains a key requirement for admission. The exam is scored over 400, with each subject carrying 100 marks. Despite the national cut-off, each institution reserves the right to set its own cut-off mark, depending on its admission policy and competition for courses.

Some universities such as Federal University Birnin-Kebbi, Khalifa Isyaka RABIU University, and Federal University of Agriculture Zuru previously accepted the 140 minimum score. However, competitive institutions like the University of Lagos and University of Ibadan are likely to maintain higher cut-offs, often around 200 and above.

Candidates looking to study high-demand courses such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering should aim for higher scores, as institutions offering these programs typically set higher cut-off points.

Also Read: JAMB Releases 2025 UTME Results with New Checking Methods

Note that the JAMB 2025 cut-off mark is yet to be officially announced, however, expectations remain consistent with last year’s benchmarks, making early preparation essential.

There are growing concerns that the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) may cancel its foreign postgraduate scholarship programme for the 2025/2026 academic year. This possible move comes after the North West Development Commission (NWDC) recently ended its own foreign scholarship applications. Refer Here for this report.

Recall that the FG discontinued Bilateral Scholarships to Strengthen Local Education.

Following a Federal Government directive to focus on building local educational institutions, agencies like the NDDC are being encouraged to prioritize local education development.

The NDDC originally launched this scholarship scheme to help young Nigerians gain advanced skills and contribute to the Federal Government’s local content programme.

However, with rising pressure to cut costs and invest in homegrown talent, the commission may follow suit and halt foreign sponsorships.

This decision could affect students hoping for international study and those aiming to secure a fully funded master’s scholarship in Nigeria or abroad.

Note that this isn’t official, but may be the case. Interested applicants are advised to stay updated on future education funding opportunities within Nigeria.

On May 8, 2025, the North West Development Commission (NWDC) officially cancelled its foreign scholarship scheme. This move follows a directive from the Federal Government, announced on May 7, 2025, by Mrs. Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.

The government aims to strengthen local universities and promote indigenous skill development. NWDC, known for supporting youth empowerment and education in northern Nigeria, said it will now focus on programs within the country.

Students looking for scholarship opportunities should consider local options supported by the government.

Recall that there was a recent Call for Applications by the NWDC Undergraduate and Postgraduate Foreign Scholarship Scheme.

This shift reflects a national effort to boost Nigerian institutions, reduce education costs abroad, and enhance domestic human capital development for long-term growth.