Many people have turned to social media to share the outcomes of their family members’ 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results, as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board declared its decision not to announce the top scorers for 2024.
The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, explained the rationale behind this decision, stating that the examination body chose not to disclose the names of the highest-scoring candidates in the recently concluded 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
During a press briefing in Bwari, Abuja, on Monday, he recalled that JAMB had been reluctant to disclose its annual top scorers.
Oloyede explained that this decision was made to avoid a repeat of the Mmesoma saga and because the board views the UTME as solely a ranking examination, among other reasons.
In 2023, Mmesoma Ejikeme, a UTME candidate from Anambra State, became entangled with JAMB when she asserted that she had scored 362 out of a total of 400.
Subsequent investigations by the examination body led to her being barred from taking the UTME for three years, and her results were also withheld.
In the 2024 UTME, more than 1.94 million candidates registered and took the examination in 118 towns and over 700 centers nationwide. However, 77 percent of the candidates scored below 200.
The JAMB Registrar stated, “It is common knowledge that the Board has, at various fora, restated its unwillingness to publish the names of its best-performing candidates, as it considers its UTME as only a ranking examination on account of the other parameters that would constitute what would later be considered the minimum admissible score for candidates seeking admission to tertiary institutions.
“Similarly, because of the different variables adopted by respective institutions, it might be downright impossible to arrive at a single or all-encompassing set of parameters for generating a list of candidates with the highest admissible score, as gaining admission remains the ultimate goal. Hence, it might be unrealistic or presumptive to say a particular candidate is the highest scorer given the fact that such a candidate may, in the final analysis, not even be admitted.
“However, owing to public demand and to avoid a repeat of the Mmesoma saga as well as provide a guide for those who may want to award prizes to this set of high-performing candidates, the Board appeals to all concerned to always verify claims by candidates before offering such awards.”
Following this development, many people have taken to social media to share impressive examination results.
Among the results shared, Oladigbolu Zainab Asake, a South-westerner residing and studying in the north, reportedly scored 362 in the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
She reportedly scored over 91 in three of the subjects, making her the highest performer shared online thus far.
Netizens have showered praise on Asake for her exceptional achievement, celebrating her success across various social media platforms.
One user, @abdul4united, shared her result on a social media platform, highlighting it as the highest 2024 JAMB score so far, with Zainab achieving an impressive 362.
A Facebook page called Think Yoruba First also joined in celebrating Zainab, attributing her academic success to the supportive educational environment she has been fortunate to have.
They further said that it also underscored her hard work and dedication. Think Yoruba First’s statement read in part, “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy! “Zainab’s remarkable accomplishment is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and the supportive educational environment she has been fortunate to have. While she hails from the South West, her decision to live and study in the North demonstrates the diversity and interconnectedness of educational opportunities across Nigeria.
“It also underscores the importance of embracing cultural exchange and breaking down geographical barriers in pursuit of knowledge and excellence.” Oladigbolu Zainab Asake’s score A breakdown of the Dialogue Academy Kaduna student’s UTME score showed she had 81 in English, 95 in mathematics and physics and 91 in chemistry. Her aggregate score is 362.”
Asake’s result excites people @MosesAdewole6 said, “Congratulations.”
Also, @dizi_rica said, “Congratulations it a pleasure.” Sani Musa said: “Congratulations 300+.”
#Kenny Inukay said, “That is awesome, congratulations.”
Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s ex-aide, Reno Omokri, took time to praise one Saleh Fatima Alkali, who reportedly scored 300, for her behavior regarding her exam results. He noted that she did not forge her result, boast about it, publish it, compare herself to others, or gloat. Despite possibly scoring the highest mark in the JAMB UTME Examination, she remained humble and modest. It was others who exposed her achievement and praised her.
“She did not forge her result. She did not boast about it. She did not even publish it, She also did not compare herself to others. And did not gloat. She just scored perhaps the highest mark in the JAMB UTME Examination, and remained humble and modest. It was others who exposed her and praised her.
“Apart from Fatima, at least 12 other Northerners also scored above 300. However, they did not make noise after making news. They simply praised God for His benevolence and went about their daily Jihad of self-conquest and self-development,” Omokri post read in part.
Others results shared on social media:
Alayande David 367
Aguele Stephen Osezuha 358
Ositade Oluwafemi Anthony 358
Gbolahan Azeem Ayinde 357
John Fulfilment Ibhanfiodon 356
Duruji Chimdubem Ugonna 355
Adesanya Jermaine Oluwaiomiloiu 355
Shittu Priscilla Adedunni 355
Atenisumen Enoch Oluwagbemisoke 355
Adetunji Victor Adewale 355
Ofonime Iniobon ldongesit 355
Imoukhuede Andrew Onayeme 355
Despite the absence of official announcements, individuals like Asake are celebrated online, with platforms like Facebook and Twitter showcasing their accomplishments.
However, concerns arise regarding the proliferation of unverified scores, potentially leading to misinformation.
In light of this, caution is advised when interpreting UTME results shared online, underscoring the importance of verification in a landscape where trust is paramount.