JAMB 2025 result problems? Here’s how to check and fix them

Mere hours after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) released the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results today, social media and news outlets are awash with reports of candidates facing significant challenges accessing their scores. While this annual ritual brings anticipation, it also, almost invariably, highlights persistent issues in managing large-scale digital services in Nigeria.

This explainer explores the common problems candidates are facing with the 2025 JAMB results and what to do about them.

Common JAMB 2025 result checking issues

As nearly 1.9 million candidates attempt to discover their fate, several key issues have emerged, echoing challenges from previous years but felt acutely by the 2025 cohort:

• Portal inaccessibility or “JAMB Portal not working”: This is perhaps the most widespread complaint. Candidates report the official JAMB result checking portal (https://slipsprinting.jamb.gov.ng/CheckUTMEResults) being unresponsive, loading indefinitely, or displaying error messages. This is largely attributed to the massive surge in traffic.
  
• “Result is undergoing processing”: Many candidates are met with this message, indicating their results are not yet available for viewing. While JAMB releases results in batches, this status naturally causes anxiety.
  
• “Candidate absent” glitch: A particularly distressing issue reported by numerous candidates who validly sat for the examination is seeing their status as “absent.” JAMB has acknowledged this and advised affected candidates to recheck, suggesting it might be a temporary data synchronisation issue.
  
• “Result withheld”: As officially announced by JAMB, some 39,834 results were withheld for further investigation. Candidates who see this message need to await further clarification from the Board. Keep an eye on the JAMB website for any updates regarding withheld results. Avoid contacting unofficial sources claiming they can “release” your result for a fee – these are scams.
  
• “Registration number cancelled” / “Invalid entrance”: These could be due to various reasons, including issues with your registration or a breach of examination rules. You will need to contact JAMB for clarification.
  
• SMS service delays or failures: The alternative SMS method (sending UTMERESULT to 55019 or 66019) is also reportedly experiencing delays or not returning results for some users, despite the ₦50 charge.
  
• Incorrect login details confusion: Though less of a system issue and more user-related, the pressure and confusion can lead to candidates incorrectly entering their registration numbers or other required details.
  

Read also: How to check 2025 JAMB UTME results: A comprehensive guide

Why do these result issues persist?

• Peak load phenomenon: The simultaneous attempt by millions of users to access a single portal within a short timeframe places an enormous strain on web servers.
  
• Infrastructure capacity: The underlying server infrastructure, database querying capacity, and bandwidth allocated to the JAMB portal might not be sufficiently elastic to handle these extreme peak loads seamlessly.
  
• Data synchronisation and processing: Releasing results in batches means not all data is live at once. Furthermore, verifying results and flagging some for withholding involves complex data processing that can lead to temporary display errors like “absent” or “processing.”
  
• Digital literacy and user behaviour: Some issues can be exacerbated by users repeatedly hitting refresh, using incorrect details, or falling prey to misinformation, which can further strain systems or lead to perceived errors.
  
• Network Connectivity: Unreliable or slow internet connectivity on the user’s end can also mimic portal issues, leading to frustration.

Troubleshooting 101: What candidates can do now

While systemic fixes are long-term, candidates currently facing issues can try the following:

1. Patience is Key: Especially for “portal inaccessible” or “undergoing processing,” waiting a few hours or trying during off-peak times (late night/early morning) can yield results. JAMB’s Head of Public Affairs, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, has advised candidates to “allow the first-day rush to subside.”
   
2. Re-verify details: Double-check your JAMB registration number and other required information before entering it.
   
3. Try the SMS option (again later): If the portal is down, the SMS method is an alternative. If it fails initially, try again after some time, ensuring you have sufficient airtime (₦50) and are using the registered phone number.
   
4. For “Candidate absent” or “Processing”: As per JAMB’s advice, keep checking back periodically. These statuses are often temporary as results are updated in batches.
   
5. Stay Official: Only use the official JAMB portal (www.jamb.gov.ng and its related result link) and official communication channels. Avoid third-party websites claiming to provide results, as these can be scams.
   
6. Do not panic for “Withheld” results: Await official communication or instructions from JAMB regarding next steps.

Use official JAMB channels only

During this period, it’s easy to get anxious, especially if you face issues. However, it’s crucial to:

• Stay Calm: Panicking won’t help. Most issues can be resolved by following the advice above or by patiently waiting.
  
• Use ONLY official JAMB channels:
  • JAMB Website: https://www.jamb.gov.ng
  • JAMB Support: Look for official support phone numbers or email addresses on the JAMB website (e.g., info@jamb.gov.ng or phone numbers like 08166335513, 08123658955, usually listed by JAMB).
  • Official Social Media: Follow JAMB’s official social media if available (e.g., @JAMBHQ on X/Twitter) for announcements.
    
• Beware of fraudsters! Many people will try to take advantage of anxious students.
  
  • DO NOT pay anyone who claims they can “change your score,” “release your withheld result quickly,” or “guarantee your admission” for a fee. These are scams!
    
  • DO NOT share your JAMB registration number, email, password, or other personal details on unofficial websites or with strangers.