“JAMB Debunks Viral 394 UTME Score, Warns Against Spread of Fake Results”
Nigeria’s examination body, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has officially dismissed as false a widely circulated Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) result claiming a score of 394 by a candidate from Cross River State. The purported result, which gained traction across social media platforms, sparked public debate over the credibility and limits of the examination’s scoring system.
In a formal response, JAMB clarified that the viral score is inconsistent with its established grading structure, emphasizing that the UTME is scored over a maximum of 400 marks across four subjects. While high scores are not uncommon, the board noted that such extraordinary claims must be verified through its official result-checking channels. JAMB reiterated that the image of the result slip being circulated did not originate from its system and should be disregarded.
The board further cautioned candidates, parents, and the general public against the proliferation of misinformation, particularly during examination periods when anxiety and speculation are high. It urged stakeholders to rely solely on official platforms, including its portal and accredited communication channels, for accurate updates. According to JAMB, the spread of fabricated results undermines the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary admission process and can mislead unsuspecting candidates.
This development reflects a broader pattern of misinformation surrounding national examinations in Nigeria, where viral claims often outpace verification. Education stakeholders have consistently called for increased digital literacy and stricter penalties for individuals found to be deliberately spreading false information.
Reputable media outlets, including Punch Newspapers, Premium Times, Daily Trust, and The Guardian Nigeria, have also reported JAMB’s clarification, reinforcing the board’s position and urging the public to verify examination-related information through credible sources.