Unpacking the Concerning Trend in UTME Performance
Recent trends in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have sparked conversations about the state of education in Nigeria. With over 9 million candidates scoring below the pass mark of 200 between 2018 and 2024, concerns have heightened about the quality of education and systemic issues plaguing the sector.
Following the release of the 2024 UTME results by JAMB, a staggering 76.1% of candidates scored below 200 out of 400 points. This has raised questions about various factors contributing to the poor performance, including unqualified teachers, outdated curriculum, and student negligence.
While some stakeholders blame JAMB for exam conduct issues, others point fingers at students and parents for lack of commitment. The debate also extends to systemic flaws like inadequate teaching force and system glitches at examination centers.
Education experts emphasize the urgent need for holistic reforms in the sector and government intervention to address the downward trend. The role of teachers, parents, and policymakers becomes crucial in revitalizing the education system and ensuring students receive quality learning opportunities.