The recently released 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results have once again exposed the deep-rooted failures in Nigeria’s education system.

With 78% of candidates scoring below 200 out of 400, only 0.63% (12,421 students) scoring 300 and above, and 24,535 candidates scoring less than 100, the results reflect a decade-long trend of declining academic performance.

Beyond the alarming statistics, the announcement that West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) will transition from pen-and-paper to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) by 2026 raises critical concerns. How prepared are Nigerian students—many of whom lack basic computer literacy—for this shift? What systemic failures have led to mass exam failures, and what lessons can Nigeria learn from other countries?

This article explores the implications of the 2025 JAMB results, challenges of transitioning to CBT in Nigeria, how other countries manage digital examinations, and government and stakeholder responsibilities in fixing Nigeria’s education system

1.1 The Shocking Statistics

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede confirmed that the 2025 results align with the poor performance trend of the past decade. Key findings include:

1.2 Root Causes of Mass Failure

Several factors contribute to this disaster:

A. Rampant Examination Malpractice

B. Poor Quality of Teaching

C. Inadequate Learning Infrastructure

D. Socio-Economic Factors

2.1 WASSCE’s Shift to Computer-Based Testing (2026)

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) announced that:

2.2 Major Challenges for Nigeria’s CBT Transition

A. Lack of Computer Literacy

B. Poor Electricity & Internet Infrastructure

C. Inadequate CBT Centres

D. Teacher & Student Resistance to Change

3.1 Case Study: South Africa

3.2 Case Study: India (CBSE Digital Initiatives)

3.3 Case Study: Estonia (World’s Most Digital Education System)

4.1 Immediate Steps for CBT Readiness

4.2 Long-Term Reforms

4.3 Parental & Student Responsibility

• Students should embrace digital literacy early.

The 2025 JAMB results are a wake-up call. Nigeria’s education system is failing, and the CBT transition could worsen the crisis if not properly managed. The government, schools, parents, and students must act now to improve foundational learning (not just exam passing), invest in digital infrastructure and eradicate corruption in examinations.

Without urgent reforms, Nigeria risks producing a generation of certificate holders without skills, a waiting disaster that can cripple national development.

My final thought is from the words of the former President of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, and he said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” I believe that our nation must wield this weapon wisely or face the consequences of continued failure. May God forbid, as we usually retorted when inaction and playing politics with the future generation remains a cult in our polity.