Has Anyone Ever Scored 399 in JAMB? Fact-Checking the Ultimate UTME Record

As an educator who spends my days preparing students for their final exams, one question constantly pops up in my classroom: Has anyone ever scored 399 in JAMB? It is the holy grail of Nigerian academic achievements, a near-perfect score that sounds almost mythical. Every year, as UTME registration begins, rumors circulate about a genius who supposedly cracked the system. Today, I am going to break down the facts, debunk the myths, and show you exactly what it takes to hit those elite upper percentiles.

Has anyone ever scored 399 in JAMB officially?

Yes, historical records indicate that a candidate named Chigozie Ikegwuonu achieved a verified score of 399 out of 400 in the 2013 UTME. However, scoring 399 is incredibly rare, requiring absolute perfection across three subjects and missing only a single point in the Use of English paper.

Now, while Chigozie’s record is the highest openly reported score from the modern era, the landscape of the exam has changed significantly since then. In my classroom, I remind my students that the transition to the Computer Based Test (CBT) format has tightened the standardization process. Back in the early days of paper-based testing, grading metrics were slightly different, making extreme outlier scores highly unusual today.

Was the 2016 JAMB score of 399 a real result or a prank?

The viral 2016 JAMB score of 399 was actually a well-orchestrated prank. A candidate from Kogi State, Ibrahim Shamwifu, heavily photoshopped his result slip to show a 399. He later publicly confessed that it was a joke for his friends and his actual score was 199.

This incident perfectly highlights the danger of engagement-baiting on social media. Many educational blogs ran with the story before verifying it. As a teacher, I always emphasize fact-checking to my students. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board uses a highly secure portal, and verifying claims like this is easier than ever. The reality is that an authentic UTME result of that magnitude would be celebrated nationally by the board itself, not just leaked via a blurry screenshot.

What is the highest JAMB score in recent history?

In recent years, the highest verified JAMB scores typically range between 360 and 375. For example, in the 2025 UTME, Okeke Chinedu Christian achieved a remarkable score of 375. Modern CBT systems and strict standardization make approaching the legendary 399 mark exceptionally difficult today.

Let us look at the data objectively. When you aim for a top-tier federal university to study a highly competitive course like Medicine and Surgery or Software Engineering, you do not need a 399. A score in the 300s already places you in the 99th percentile of all candidates nationwide.

Why is scoring 399 in the UTME mathematically and practically difficult?

Achieving a 399 requires scoring a flawless 100 in three subjects and a 99 in the fourth. Because the examination board scales 180 questions into 400 points, losing even one question often drops your overall score by more than a single point mathematically.

Think about the structure of the exam. You have a total of 180 questions:

• Use of English: 60 questions

• Subject 2 (e.g., Mathematics): 40 questions

• Subject 3 (e.g., Physics): 40 questions

• Subject 4 (e.g., Chemistry): 40 questions

Since the total obtainable score is 400, the board utilizes a weighted grading system. Missing a highly weighted question can disproportionately affect your raw score. Furthermore, the Use of English section relies heavily on comprehension passages and complex lexical registers, where absolute perfection is extraordinarily rare due to subjective interpretations of language nuances.

Who are the highest JAMB scorers of the last decade?

Tracking the highest scorers reveals a pattern of exceptional brilliance. While nobody has officially replicated the 399 record recently, top candidates consistently score above 360. Below is a breakdown of verified top scorers from recent examination years to give you realistic score expectations.

If you are curious about what genuine excellence looks like, check out this historical data tracking the most brilliant minds of recent exam cycles:

Notice a trend? Almost all of these top candidates were applying for highly analytical STEM fields.

How can a student realistically prepare to cross the 300 mark?

Crossing the 300 mark requires strategic preparation rather than just hard work. As a teacher, I recommend mastering the syllabus, practicing past questions daily, and managing your time effectively. Following a structured study plan is the proven secret to ranking highly.

I have seen countless brilliant students score below their potential simply because they studied the wrong materials or struggled with time management. Here is the exact step-by-step framework I teach in my classes:

1. Master the Official Syllabus: Do not waste time reading textbooks from cover to cover. Download the official syllabus and treat it as your blueprint. If a topic is not on the syllabus, ignore it.

2. Utilize CBT Practice Software: Knowledge is useless if you are slow. You have exactly 120 minutes for 180 questions. Practicing with a CBT interface builds the necessary muscle memory and time-management skills.

3. Analyze Your Weaknesses Through Mock Exams: Take a full-length mock exam every weekend. If you notice your scores dipping in Organic Chemistry, dedicate your Monday and Tuesday study blocks specifically to that subtopic.

4. Conquer the English Register: Because English carries the most weight, mastering idioms, lexis, and structure is non-negotiable.

Ultimately, while wondering if has anyone ever scored 399 in JAMB is a fun piece of educational trivia, your focus should be on your personal best. Aim high, prepare smartly, and you will easily secure your university admission.