The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has unveiled the list of the highest-scoring candidates in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) over the last 12 years, spotlighting academic excellence despite the nation's educational challenges.
This was revealed during a press conference held on Wednesday by JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, at the Board's headquarters in Abuja. He noted that although the 2025 UTME recorded a significant number of low scores, the top performer achieved an extraordinary 374 — the highest mark recorded in over a decade and a half.
While the name of the 2025 top scorer was not disclosed during the briefing, the Board shared a historic list of the top achievers since 2013, emphasizing their resilience and commitment to academic distinction.
Here are the top UTME scorers by year:
- 2025 – Candidate scored 374 (highest in 15+ years)
- 2024 – Olowu Joseph Oluwasijibomi, Alayande David, and Orukpe Joel Ehijele — all scored 367
- 2023 – Umeh Kamsiyochukwu Nkechinyere — 360
- 2022 – Adebayo Eyimofe Oluwatofunmi — 362
- 2021 – Monwuba Chibuzo Chibuikem — 358
- 2020 – Maduafokwa Egoagwuagwu Agnes — 365
- 2019 – Ezeunala Ekene Franklin — 347
- 2018 – Galadima Israel Zakari — 364
- 2017 – Akingbulugbe Precious Ayomide — 353
- 2016 – Akenbor Adesuwa Osarugue and Anonye Victory Emenike — both scored 359
- 2015 – Ilukwe Lottachukwu Geraldine — 332
- 2014 – Onomejoh Princewill — 299
- 2013 – Olise Israel Chukwunalu — 299
According to Prof. Oloyede, despite the increasing complexities in Nigeria’s education landscape, some students continue to defy the odds and demonstrate academic brilliance.
“This data is a testament to what is possible when hard work meets opportunity. We celebrate these students who have made us proud year after year,” he remarked.
The announcement comes amid renewed conversations about educational reforms and improving the quality of secondary and tertiary education in Nigeria.
