JAMB 2019: 679 Candidates Scored Above 300 But denied Admission (See Reasons)

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) recently revealed shocking statistics about the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) admission process. Despite achieving exceptional scores above 300, a staggering 679 candidates out of 2,967 in this elite tier were denied admission into any tertiary institution. This disclosure came during JAMB’s 2020 Policy meeting on admission held this past Tuesday.

But the alarming numbers don’t end there. JAMB also unveiled that out of the 433,445 candidates who scored an impressive 200 and above on the UTME, a whopping 222,684 were still denied admission by tertiary institutions across the country. These numbers are baffling, especially considering the outstanding scores attained by these students.

The data released by JAMB shows that out of the total 2,967 candidates who achieved rarefied 300+ scores, only 2,288 were granted admission, leaving 679 shut out despite their remarkable performance. The situation looked equally grim for those scoring between 280-299, with 2,830 out of 9,276 candidates in this bracket failing to secure admission.

Most disconcertingly, a substantial 22,534 candidates from the 61,405 who scored 250 and above on the competitive UTME still did not gain admission, their outstanding results carrying little weight.

Reasons for Denial of Admission

While these figures are undoubtedly alarming, JAMB has provided insight into the key reasons why candidates were denied admission despite their stellar UTME scores:

• Wrong O’level subject combination selected
• Low scores on Post-UTME screening exams
• UTME subject combination deficiencies
• Non-acceptance of admission offer
• Duplication of applications
• Absence from Post-UTME screening
• Residency mismatch with catchment area
• No O’level results (trial candidates)
• Institutional rigidity and policies

JAMB has strongly advised candidates to exercise great care and heed these listed factors to avoid missing out on hard-earned admission opportunities.

The prevalence of admission denials for high scorers raises serious questions about the fairness and transparency of the tertiary admission process in Nigeria. With so many talented students shut out, one can only hope serious reforms will be instituted to create a more equitable system going forward.

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