Oluwatosin Alao, a pupil of The Seaside Schools, is top scorer in 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination. Tosin got 322, following an initial result of 150 in the botched first round.
Tosin’s journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and resilience. Despite facing setbacks, she persevered and achieved high results, demonstrating determination.
As headgirl of 2024/2025 set, the aspiring mechanical engineer’s manifesto focused on promoting technology integration and making qualitative education accessible to underprivileged children. Her vision inspires hope and positivity.
Mrs. Eniola Ogunlade, managing director of The Seaside Schools, attributed the school’s success to its intentional approach to assessment preparation. “Our school’s intentional approach to assessment preparation yields results. We achieve this through perso nalised coaching, leveraging our thriving day and boarding school system. Our boarding house enables close monitoring and one-on-one interaction, allowing us to tailor our teaching to individual needs.
‘‘This focused approach has produced high scorers in national and international examinations, including JAMB, WAEC, and NECO, and is evidence of our effective coaching methods. We also celebrate Miss Yvonne Adubor, who scored an impressive 288 and the five other candidates, who scored between 235 and 280 in the concluded JAMB examination.”
The Seaside Schools was recently in the news for its commitment to academic excellence as reflected in its outstanding performance at the Turkic International Mathematical Olympiad which held in Antalya, Turkey, where its students showcased exceptional mathematical prowess. This achievement underscores the school’s dedication to nurturing well-rounded students who excel in various fields. The Seaside Schools’ students also recently embarked on an enriching visit to the African Leadership University in Kigali, Rwanda, broadening their academic horizons and gaining valuable insights into leadership and innovation, while also benefiting from career coaching and development opportunities, reflecting the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals equipped for global success.
We congratulate Oluwatosin Alao on this remarkable achievement and wish her continued success in her academic pursuits. Her story serves as a motivation for students everywhere, highlighting the importance of perseverance and hard work.
Nigerian universities, polytechnics and colleges of education offer many great courses that have lower JAMB cut-off marks but are still highly valuable and rewarding.
So, you’ve checked your JAMB result and the score isn’t what you hoped for. Maybe it’s below 200, and now you’re wondering if your dreams of getting into university are over. Don’t panic—you’re not alone, and the answer is no, your dream is still alive.
Not every student scores 250 or above in JAMB. In fact, a large number don’t even hit the 200 mark. That can feel discouraging, especially if you were aiming for competitive courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering. But a low JAMB score doesn’t mean you can’t still pursue a solid, meaningful course of study.
There are several courses in Nigerian tertiary institutions that accept lower JAMB scores, and many of them lead to great career opportunities. Let’s explore seven of these underrated yet valuable courses, why they’re worth considering, and what career paths they can open up.
Here are alternative courses you can study with low JAMB score 2025
1. Education (All Subjects)
Education courses have some of the lowest cut-off marks, but don’t underestimate their value. Whether it’s Mathematics, English, Biology, or Government, becoming a trained teacher opens the door to academic, administrative, and policy-making roles in Nigeria’s growing education sector.
2. Agricultural Science
Nigeria’s economy depends heavily on agriculture, and there’s a constant demand for skilled agricultural experts. Studying Agricultural Science can lead to careers in agribusiness, research, and food production, and even entrepreneurship in farming and agro-processing.
If you’re passionate about religion, philosophy, or ethics, this is a solid course with a low entry barrier. Graduates often become educators, counselors, or work within faith-based organizations. It also prepares you for roles in leadership within religious institutions.
4. Home Economics
This course may not seem popular, but it’s practical and career-rich. Home Economics graduates can work in food and nutrition, textile design, family life education, or even start their own businesses in catering or interior decoration.
5. Library and Information Science
With the world shifting towards digital information and data management, this course is becoming more relevant than ever. It’s great for students interested in organization, research, and IT. You can work in schools, universities, government agencies, or digital archives.
6. Theatre Arts / Performing Arts
If you’re creative and enjoy storytelling, drama, or media, this course offers a great path. Nigeria’s entertainment industry is booming, and Theatre Arts graduates can find work in film, TV, event production, or become actors, directors, or playwrights.
7. Local Language Studies (Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, etc.)
These indigenous language courses not only preserve culture but are essential in education, broadcasting, and translation. There’s growing demand for local language experts in media, education, and publishing, especially with efforts to promote African identity.
In today’s economy, education is the new currency, often seen as the key to unlocking career opportunities. For many, a college degree isn’t just a milestone; it’s a necessary credential to even step into the professional world. Yet, some countries have adapted to this shift far more effectively than others.
Gone are the days when global power was measured by armies or gold reserves. Now, the true markers of influence and success lie in academic achievements—universities producing graduates, research breakthroughs, and advanced degrees have become the modern-day vaults of prosperity.
Recent studies reveal that a nation’s real power isn’t determined by its weapons but by the knowledge cultivated within its classrooms and libraries.
So get ready to dive into a journey through the world’s top 10 most educated countries—places where lifelong learning is more than a goal; it’s woven into the very fabric of their culture.
Ireland tops global education rankings with over half (52.4%) of its working-age population holding a Bachelor’s degree or higher. Once an agricultural nation, Ireland has evolved into a knowledge-driven economy, boasting around 1.8 million adults with tertiary qualifications.
This success is fueled by strong government investment, a focus on attracting international students and businesses, and the presence of renowned institutions like Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin. The Irish education system prioritizes critical thinking, research, and innovation—especially in tech and pharmaceuticals—while offering accessible tuition through grants and affordable fees.
Switzerland ranks second globally, with about 46% of its population aged 25-64 holding college degrees—around 2.7 million highly educated individuals. Its distinctive dual education system blends rigorous academics with practical work experience, setting it apart.
Home to top universities like ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva, Switzerland invests heavily in research and development—over 3% of its GDP—fostering innovation. The country attracts international students with its multilingual environment and cutting-edge facilities, while also maintaining strong vocational and apprenticeship programs that uphold high educational standards beyond university.
Singapore boasts an impressive 45% of its working-age population—around 1.9 million people—with Bachelor’s degrees or higher, marking its rapid rise from a developing country to a global education leader.
Known for its rigorous academics, multilingual teaching, and strong focus on math and science, Singapore hosts renowned institutions like the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University, alongside campuses of prestigious international universities.
Government scholarships and financial aid help keep education accessible despite high living costs, while Singapore’s multicultural, English-speaking environment draws students from across Asia and beyond.
Belgium ranks fourth globally, with 44.1% of its population aged 25-64—about 3.3 million people—holding college degrees. Its strategic location in Europe and commitment to multilingual, high-quality education underpin this achievement.
Belgium’s higher education is divided among three language communities—Dutch, French, and German—each with independent standards but mutual recognition of qualifications. Home to renowned universities like KU Leuven, Belgium’s federal system fosters regional innovation and specialization, offering diverse academic and applied science opportunities.
The United Kingdom remains a global education powerhouse, with 43.6% of its working-age population—about 19.1 million people—holding Bachelor’s degrees or higher.
With a rich academic heritage dating back to historic universities like Oxford and Cambridge, the UK blends tradition with cutting-edge research. Its universities consistently rank among the world’s best and attract over 500,000 international students each year.
The British education system fosters independent thinking, critical analysis, and research skills. Despite challenges such as Brexit and funding pressures, the UK continues to prioritize investment in higher education, especially in STEM fields alongside strong arts and humanities programs, producing versatile graduates.
The Netherlands ranks sixth globally, with around 42% of its 25-64 age group—approximately 4.8 million people—holding at least a Bachelor’s degree. Known for innovation and practical learning, Dutch higher education emphasizes international outlook and cutting-edge teaching methods.
Top institutions like the University of Amsterdam and Delft University of Technology consistently rank among Europe’s best. The country’s wide range of English-taught programs attracts many international students, while strong government support helps keep education affordable and accessible.
The United States ranks seventh globally, with 40.3% of its working-age population—around 78.2 million people—holding college degrees. Despite its seventh-place percentage, the US has the third-largest number of degree holders worldwide, reflecting its vast and diverse education system.
From community colleges to elite institutions like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, American universities are renowned for research and innovation, especially in technology, medicine, and business. The US also hosts the world’s largest international student population, enrolling over one million annually.
Known for its flexible education paths, including broad liberal arts programs, the system faces challenges such as rising tuition costs and student debt.
Australia ranks eighth globally, with 39.7% of its working-age population—about 6.9 million people—holding Bachelor’s degrees or higher. Its education system blends British academic rigor with American-style accessibility and innovation.
Top universities like the University of Melbourne and Australian National University consistently rank among the world’s best. Australia is a major hub for international students, attracting learners from the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
The system focuses on combining practical skills with theory and maintains strong ties between academia and industry. Government support through loans and grants helps ensure higher education remains accessible to a wide range of students.
Israel ranks ninth globally, with 39.7% of its 25-64 population—about 2.2 million people—holding college degrees. Despite its small size and regional challenges, Israel has developed an outstanding education system that drives world-class innovation and research.
Its higher education includes top institutions like the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Technion, known for excellence in STEM fields. This focus fuels a vibrant high-tech industry, earning Israel the nickname “Startup Nation.”
Additionally, mandatory military service offers technical training that complements formal education. Israel also invests heavily in research and development, spending over 4% of its GDP—one of the highest rates worldwide.
Rounding out the top ten, Sweden has 39.6% of its population—around 2.6 million people—with at least a Bachelor’s degree. It exemplifies the Nordic model by combining high educational standards with social equality and accessibility.
Swedish universities like Karolinska Institute and KTH Royal Institute of Technology are among Europe’s best, known for innovation, sustainability, and international cooperation.
The education system focuses on critical thinking, sustainability, and social responsibility, offering free higher education to EU citizens and strong financial support for all students.
If your JAMB score falls between 140 and 180, don’t lose hope..You still have a strong chance of gaining admission into a Nigerian university. One of the most strategic moves you can make is to take advantage of the JAMB Change of Institution option.
This option allows you to switch from a university with a high cut-off mark to one with a lower or more flexible cut-off. Many federal and state universities accept students through this route and are known for having high acceptance rates for candidates who make them their new choice during the change of institution process.
Here are some top universities with high acceptance rate for change of institution
1. Federal University, Dutse (FUD) – Located in Jigawa State, FUD is known for its transparency in admission processes and accepts students with scores from 140 and above for certain courses.
2. Federal University, Birnin Kebbi (FUBK) – This institution in Kebbi State is one of the most welcoming federal universities for students seeking admission through the change of institution.
3. Kebbi State University of Science and Technology (KSUSTA) – Offers science and technology-focused programs and often considers candidates with JAMB scores from 140 upward.
4. Sokoto State University (SSU) – Known for accommodating change of institution applicants with relatively low JAMB scores.
5. Taraba State University (TSU) – Offers a wide range of courses and is open to students with scores between 140 and 180.
6. Adamawa State University (ADSU) – Located in Mubi, ADSU has a good track record of accepting candidates via the change of institution window. 7. Bauchi State University (BASU) – BASU is a viable option for students with moderate scores and has consistent admission flexibility. 8. Abia State University – A reputable state university that welcomes a high number of transfer and change of institution students annually.
9. Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU) – A top choice in the South-South region, AKSU offers quality education and accepts many students through change of institution.
10. Ondo State University of Science and Technology (OSUSTECH) – Particularly friendly for students in science-related fields with modest JAMB scores.
11. Plateau State University (PLASU) – Based in Bokkos, PLASU offers a wide range of undergraduate programs and is known for being flexible with JAMB scores.
Obiora-Nwokedi Nmesoma, a candidate of the just concluded 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has broken record as the student with the highest score in her school.
Nmesoma, a student of Queens Convent Awka, Anambra state, owned by the Anglican church scored 343 in the resit exercise scheduled by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
She had scored 165 in the botched controversial version, which the exam body had blamed on technical glitches in the system.
Many students were reportedly traumatised by the ugly development, including the girl that allegedly took her life.
Speaking exclusively to our correspondent, Principal of the school, Dr Martha Ibezim attributed Nmesoma’s feat to the school’s commitment to academic excellence and holistic student’s development.
She also linked the outstanding performance to the school’s dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities and rigorous preparatory programs.
According to Ibezim, the victory had not only secured the student a bright future, but had brought pride to the school, reinforcing its reputation as a leading institution for academic and personal growth.
She said: “Initially scoring a disheartening 165 in the exam due to reported glitches in the JAMB system, Nmesoma refused to let this define her.
“When given the opportunity to resit the exam, she soared to an outstanding score of 343, proving her academic prowess and showcasing the exceptional preparation provided by her school.
“Nmesoma’s journey began like that of many ambitious students across Nigeria, with dreams of excelling in the highly competitive UTME to secure a place in a top university.
“A star pupil known for her consistent academic excellence, Nmesoma was shocked when her initial JAMB score of 165 did not reflect her capabilities.
“The low mark, attributed to technical glitches in the JAMB system, could have discouraged even the most determined student.
“But Nmesoma, fortified by the unwavering support of her teachers and the robust academic foundation at Queens Convent Awka, remained undeterred.”
The Federal Government has proposed the establishment of National Examination Malpractice Court/Tribunal for prompt prosecution of examination infractions to serve as deterrent to others.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said this in Abuja while receiving a committee report on improvement of quality examinations.
Affirming the recommendations of the 17-man committee, headed by Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar, Joint Administrations and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the minister said it would improve the quality of examinations in the country.
Alausa assured the committee members that all the 12-point recommendations would be implemented, noting that the government would deploy all its machineries to fight the menace of examination malpractice.
“Let me assure all the committee members that you have done so much work here, and all the recommendations you have given us as a government, we will implement every single one of them.
“All the 12 recommendations that you reeled out, everyone will agree with me today that none of them will be impossible to implement.
“They are all practicable things. Those that will be implemented now, we will do that right away,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NSA) recalls the Minister inaugurated the committee in January and it submitted its interim report after five months of extensive work.
NAN reports that in one of the recommendations, the committee urged the Federal Ministry of Education to interface with the National Assembly to enact law establishing a National Examination Malpractice Court/Tribunal for prompt prosecution of examination malpractices.
The committee also recommended that documents, including certificates, registration and result slips, should contain National Identification Number (NIN), photograph and date of birth of candidates, to guard against identity theft and impersonation.
“All Invigilators and Supervisors must register through NIN and subscribe to the examination body’s Short Code, using the same pattern of 55019/66019 of JAMB in order so track and have full information about the examination officials, including examiners, supervisors and invigilators.
“Swapping of Invigilators and Supervisors, should commence with effect from the 2025 private SSCE due to the strong views against student swapping expressed by the four concerned examination bodies (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS).
“Except where absolutely impossible, Invigilators and Supervisors should always be public officials, teachers on pensionable appointments
“The standard requirements of examination halls/centres should not be waived for any school, while the recommended seating arrangement should be 1.5m by 1.2m. or 1.8 sqm per candidate,” the committee stated.
The committee also recommended that all examination halls and centres should be equipped with stationary CCTV cameras for surveillance and monitoring purposes.
” In addition, every examination centre shall have a mini control room where the CCTV camera is monitored for urgent and immediate alert.”
The committee also recommended that examination bodies shall jointly own central control facilities for their use during examinations to save cost; and body camcorders should be deployed to examination halls and centres for effective monitoring.
Also recommended by the committee was that, at the point of entry into basic school, every pupil must generate a unique code which is linked to his/her NIN which must be identified with the pupil throughout his/her educational journey in Nigeria.
The committee noted that the non-implementation of the 1999 Examination Malpractice Act suggested either a lack of political will or non implementable.
It, therefore, recommended a review of the Act in such a manner that it could be immediately implemented to curb examination malpractice.
“Rather than wait till 2027 as initially suggested, the Computer Based Examination (CBE) should be implemented for objective questions in 2025 private examinations and in full for school candidates in 2026.
“The 30 per cent Continuous Assessment component in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations has become a veritable source of corruption in the examination system due to the fraudulent process of inputting the scores in arrears.
The committee, therefore, recommended the immediate review of the Continuous Assessment System by the relevant agencies.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”—Nelson Mandela
Nigeria has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school (OOS) children in the world with about 20 million across the country. About 12.4 million never attended school at all while about 5.9million dropped out of school too early. This, according to statistics means that Nigeria alone accounts for about 15% of the global total. What this means is that the population of educationally disadvantaged children in Nigeria in a 21st century world is almost the population of about three or more countries combined.
This startling statistics have been the object of discussion at United Nations education agencies like UNICEF and UNESCO. The implications are dire. Education has no alternatives in our modern world where technology and Artificial intelligence (AI) have become the order of the day. Education according to Malcolm X, “…is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”.
Nigeria’s successive governments seem not to fully appreciate the value of education in development. There is a seeming ignorance about the impact of illiteracy in the Nigerian political economy. Nigeria has a staggering number of about 137 million citizens living in multi-dimensional poverty. A huge percentage of the problem of poverty is illiteracy in a world ruled by ideas polished through education. Nigeria has never met the UN annual budgetary benchmark of 26% for education. In fact, it has never even hit 20% in any given year.
This has very huge implications. The education system doesn’t seem to serve the maximum number of people. So many socio-religious issues seem to be on the way. There is lack of total appreciation for the prime value of an educated population. Successive governments seem to pay lip service to education and the result is what we have at the moment where things seem to go from bad to worse.
Most times, those at the helm of education do not appear to put emphasis on the right requirements. Teachers are some of the least paid public servants. This sadly is why very few young people have the ambition of being teachers. Teachers are treated as second class workers as their salaries are often too poor especially in public schools. Infrastructural development is equally poorly managed across the country as some pupils and students still study in very pathetic environments like under trees and barely roofed classrooms. No one knows how much is invested by government in teachers’ training schools to make it more attractive.
Early marriage, insecurity and poverty are some other factors that affect school enrolments and there seems to be little attention paid to enforcing child enrolment at least for the basic primary education that is compulsory and free across the nation. The proliferation of private schools that are often out of the reach of many parents came as a result of lack of government attention to public schools which ironically today’s politicians gained from in their days, most even with either state or federal scholarships. Paradoxically, most Nigerian politicians in contrast to the teachers that groomed them live in obscene luxury.
The Roundtable Conversation had in the last few weeks discussed the unfortunate muddled up Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) that is the organizing body for the exams. More than three hundred thousand candidates had had to retake the examination because of what the registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede alleged was a technical glitch caused by some individuals in the organization. A 19 year old female candidate had out of frustration for the poor marks she received from the exam body committed suicide. She might not be the only one but her case came to limelight through the media. Some other affected students might not commit suicide but both them and their parents are traumatized and might be forever impacted by that singular mishap. Many others might drop the idea of tertiary education completely even if they are super talented. Those would be loses to the nation.
Just as Nigerians tried to take the JAMB tragedy in their stride while waiting for full investigation and disclosure by the organization, videos of West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) students writing their English language exams with torch lights in several examination centers flooded the media. Students were seen struggling to write exams in very horribly dark examination centers with all sorts of improvised lighting. Some parents and guardians were seen around expressing their outrage and discomfort.
The question is, what is really the value the nation puts on education? This is not a problem with budgeting or infrastructure, this is purely the failure of those in charge to plan and to be sensitive to what ought to be normal course of events. Let’s assume for anything that there were logistical problems, why did the West African Examination Council (WAEC) not postpone the exams in the affected centers to a later date? Why should children be subjected to such an tacky examination environment? What kind of mental torture were those children subjected to and what results no matter how brilliant a student is can be expected to be produced under such conditions?
These two incidents with JAMB and WAEC are testimonies to how careless Nigerian agencies can be with education. Even if JAMB can be excused based on possibly technical issues which is normal with human processes, what excuses does WAEC have for making students write examinations with torch lights and candles in 2025? By the way, the exam is a regional one and Nigeria seems to be the black leg.This is very telling of a dysfunctional system where people do not care for consequences of their actions. We expect heads to roll.
Then the question is, why do these things happen in a country with the most educated and talented Africans in the world? Lack of reward and punishment easily comes to mind. These recent incidents are not isolated cases. There have been a litany of dysfunction in both exam bodies over the years but sadly not many if any heads had rolled in punishment. Who are those whose negligence normally causes exam malpractices and fraudulent centers to thrive? What attempts have been made to nail perpetrators?
The Roundtable Conversation knows that there are Committees both at the House of Representatives and the Senate that have Oversight functions over the Ministry of Education and affiliate agencies. What do they assume is their job? Do their duties just end at appropriating funds to these agencies? What diligence do they bring to the table in a country that should be number one in education in the world? It seems they are mainly reactionary when cases of incompetence or negligence is highlighted by the media.
The essence of the third tripod of Oversight as the function of the legislature in a democracy is for them to be actively a supervisory body that takes detailed interest in the executive arms and the agencies under them. The Nigerian legislature possibly assumes that their only job is to take care of their own welfare and grandstand as the second arm of government without much active participation through stringent oversight functions.
The Nigerian legislators seem to misunderstand their legislative roles. They are the ones with the proverbial sword of Damocles that should fall on any erring executive ministry or agency. Rather what happens is that they almost always react following public outrage. This is why it does appear like there are no barricades and ministries and agencies often do not act in the interest of the people. A good party loyalty route should be in making sure that the ministries and agencies work for the people of Nigeria.
On the face of it, the tragedies with JAMB and WAEC would appear as minor issues that can be swept under the carpet but a good analysis of the issues involved shows that such issues contribute to the decline of interest in education in the country and Nigeria cannot afford to slide down the education slope given the already bad state of illiteracy in Nigeria. Institutions like JAMB and WAEC as academically inclined agencies must like Ceasar’s wife, be above reproach.
The impact of these pitfalls can be far reaching. More young people would drop out as the agencies stumble through carelessness and negligence through trust deficits. Academic achievements don’t come easy. To create extra huddles for students and parents just exacerbates the problems in the education sector. The two examination bodies through all the systemic tackiness merely discourage interest in scholarship in young minds.
Underdevelopment is not a national disaster. It is a result of lack of planning and prioritizing human development. The metaphoric Singapore that Lee Quan Yew created emerged because he invested in the human capital of his country. Today, a country of less than 6million people with very few natural resources is in the first world. It was not a divine miracle. The leadership of the country and many of the Asian Tigers are where they are today because of investment in education of their human capital.
Sadly, Nigeria with all its human and material resources is still an underdeveloped economy with millions in the abject poverty index. There must be a concerted effort to take education more seriously in the country and prioritize the sector along with healthcare. This is why donor agencies and individuals like Bill gates invest so much money in the health and education sector. Nigeria has a decision to make!
Students involved in examination malpractice during the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) should be barred from sitting for any external examinations by the West African Examination Council (WAEC), National Examination Council (NECO) and the National Board for Technical Education (NABTEB) for three years, the Federal Government has directed.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said that any school/computer-based test (CBT) centre involved in examination malpractice and/or acting as a miracle centre should be barred.
The minister gave the directive following the menace of ‘miracle centres’.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) said over 3,000 candidates were identified as either accomplices or beneficiaries of examination fraud this year.
The directive reads: “If any school/CBT centre is derecognised by any examination body, other sister examination bodies should follow suit and derecognise the same school/CBT centre for the same number of years to run concurrently. This will send a very strong signal to operators of these miracle centres.
“Student(s) involved in examination malpractice should be barred from sitting for any external examinations in Nigeria, such as those conducted by WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, etc, for three years using the instrumentality of NIN. Such a stringent measure will serve as a deterrent to other students and parents.”
“This directive is also in accordance with Section 16(2) of the Examination Malpractices Act, which states: ‘An examination body may, in the exercise of its powers under this section, circulate the name of an offending candidates, supervisors, invigilator, official, school, or examination centre to other examination bodies, which may impose similar punishment.’
Also, WAEC threatened to cancel the results of candidates found to have posted or received live questions/answers on the internet via social media in the ongoing West African Senior School Certificate Examination for School Candidates (WASSCE), which began last month.
The examination body said the matter may also be reported to the Police for investigation and prosecution of all those involved.
In a statement yesterday, WAEC said some people designed certain activities to perpetrate examination malpractice during the examination.
It sought collaboration to ensure that the fraudulent activities of unscrupulous elements are frustrated to avoid the erosion of the efforts of diligent candidates who have prepared tirelessly for the examination.
WAEC reiterated its stance against malpractice, stressing that it had deployed technological applications to identify those who patronise rogue websites and use their materials during the examination.
The examination body said it had retained the use of the Candidates Identity Verification, Attendance, Malpractice, and Post-Examination Management System (CIVAMPEMS) to curb impersonation, report acts of examination malpractice that take place during the conduct of the examination for WAEC’s post-examination processes, among others.
“Examination malpractice is the bane of quality education, and it undermines national development. It is a cancer in the education sector which requires a multidimensional approach for total annihilation.
“In this vein, the active cooperation between WAEC and its stakeholders is invaluable in the light of the foregoing,” the statement added.
There are indications that the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has already initiated investigation into the alleged data breach at the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Sources familiar with the case disclosed that NDPC opened investigation into the allegations based on the concerns that confidentiality and integrity of personal data relating to candidates may have been compromised by hackers.
A source within the NDPC, who spoke in confidence, said the Commission would leave no stone unturned to unravel the truth about the matter.
The source added that the investigation would cover systemic audit of data processing and third party activities within.
JAMB recently admitted that a technical error on its platform affected 379,997 candidates in 157 examination centres across Lagos and the South-East.
Our correspondent gathered that further investigation led to the arrest of at least 20 suspects in the custody of the Department of State Services and the Nigerian Police Force.
This represents a fraction of over 100 notorious hackers who hacked into digital infrastructures of prominent examination bodies such as JAMB.
Another source confirmed that many of the examination centres may have failed to put in place appropriate technical and organisational measures in securing the personal data of candidates.
Although, the incident reportedly affected 379, 997 candidates, the NDPC’s investigation seemed to cover systemic audit of data processing and third-parties.
Across the country, certain states have built reputations not just for hosting top-tier universities, respected polytechnics and credible private institutions but also for creating an environment where students can truly thrive.
In these states, you’ll find a winning mix: affordable housing, cheap food, efficient school processes, and quality education delivered in well-equipped classrooms. Whether you’re aiming for a career in engineering, medicine, or the creative arts, where you study matters—and so does the cost.
Here are seven Nigerian states that offer the sweet spot between academic excellence and financial peace of mind.
1. Ogun State
Ogun stands out with a strong mix of federal, private, and faith-based institutions, including the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Covenant University, and Babcock University. Students can secure shared housing or campus hostels for as low as ₦15,000 per month, while tuition fees at public universities remain some of the most affordable in the southwest.
The Ogun State Scholarship Board offers merit-based and need-based financial aid every semester. Thanks to its close proximity to Lagos, students also benefit from opportunities for internships, industrial training, and tech-based research collaborations across major firms and innovation hubs.
2. Oyo State
Home to Nigeria’s premier university—the University of Ibadan—alongside Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Oyo State offers a rich academic heritage. Students typically spend between ₦12,000 and ₦18,000 per month on off-campus housing, and subsidized transport helps keep daily commuting costs low.
The state government actively supports youth development through ICT and entrepreneurship programs, and job fairs at UI often draw top recruiters from banking, tech, and FMCG sectors. Oyo’s cooler, rainier climate also helps reduce energy bills, particularly in facilities like laboratories and design studios.
3. Rivers State
With institutions like the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State University, and Rivers State Polytechnic, Rivers State is a hub of higher learning in the south-south region. Despite being in a key oil-producing zone, the cost of student living—including food, utilities, and housing—rarely exceeds ₦20,000 per month.
The Rivers education trust fund provides low-interest loans to help students cover tuition and project-related expenses. Furthermore, the presence of multinational oil and gas companies offers engineering and science students valuable industrial training and career-launching exposure in energy and environmental sectors.
4. Anambra State
Anambra boasts a strong academic presence with institutions like Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, and a growing number of private colleges. Student budgets go further here—hostel accommodation averages just ₦10,000 per month, and local markets offer affordable daily essentials.
High-performing students can benefit from the Anambra State scholarship scheme, which covers up to half of tuition costs. The state also supports hands-on learning through partnerships with ministries and NGOs in public health and agriculture, giving students valuable experience in real-world community development.
5. Osun State
Home to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University and Osun State University, Osun is a hotspot for affordable, tech-friendly education. In cities like Ile-Ife and Osogbo, student housing starts at ₦8,000 monthly. Many university libraries provide free Wi-Fi and access to online academic resources.
The state’s Ministry of Education invests heavily in STEM, funding laboratory upgrades and supporting paid internships through partnerships with local businesses. Student innovators can compete in annual hackathons and pitch contests, often walking away with grants for startups in green energy and agricultural technology.
6. Edo State
Edo State combines academic tradition with practical training through institutions like the University of Benin, Auchi Polytechnic, and Samuel Adegboyega University. Accommodation costs hover around ₦12,000 per month, and students can eat well on campus with daily meal plans costing less than ₦200.
Through its skills acquisition initiative, the state offers free evening classes in trades like fashion design, catering, and electrical work—allowing students to upskill while earning a degree. UNIBEN’s engineering department also collaborates with construction and civil engineering firms to expose students to active project sites and technical problem-solving.
7. Kwara State
With Kwara State University, Kwara State Polytechnic, and a satellite campus of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Kwara offers a low-cost yet resourceful learning environment. Student housing ranges between ₦8,000 and ₦14,000 monthly, making it one of the most budget-friendly states.
The Ilorin Scholarship Fund supports outstanding students with partial tuition relief, while research hubs in agriculture and computer science collaborate with cooperatives and startups to provide real-world project experience and internship slots. Students graduate not only with degrees but also with professional exposure and practical skills.
