Recent data from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed a concerning trend: despite achieving impressive scores of 300 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculations Examinations (UTME) between 2019 and 2023, a staggering 5,658 candidates were unable to secure admissions into tertiary institutions.
According to reports by Sunday PUNCH, while universities retain the right to set their admission benchmarks, there remains a prevalent belief that higher UTME scores confer advantages in the admission process.
In 2018, out of 4,683 candidates scoring 300 and above, only 3,683 secured admission, leaving 1,000 without placement. The trend persisted over subsequent years, with similar disparities noted in admissions figures despite high UTME scores.
Factors contributing to this discrepancy, as cited in JAMB documents, include incorrect O’Level subject combinations, low post-UTME screening scores, non-acceptance of admission offers, duplicate applications, absence from post-UTME screenings, and mismatches in catchment areas.
This data highlights ongoing challenges in the admission process for academically proficient UTME candidates, reflecting broader issues in Nigeria’s higher education sector.
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