Reality TV star Tochi, blamed AI tools like ChatGPT for the alarming decline in JAMB scores. Tochi highlighted that over 75% of candidates scored below 200 in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), attributing this to students’ over-reliance on AI tools, which he claims has led to a lack of critical study habits. This statement has sparked a heated debate about the AI tools impact on JAMB scores, raising questions about the role of technology in education.
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Tochi, an ex-BBNaija housemate, shared his thoughts via an Instagram story, His post reads: “It’s hardly surprising that JAMB reported that over 75% of candidates scored below 200. With the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT, many students have abandoned critical study, reading, and independent research in favor of copying and pasting… true learning. Some people can’t even curate a message without chatgpt. 😂😂.” Tochi’s statement points to a growing trend of dependency on AI tools, which he believes undermines the foundational skills needed to excel in exams like JAMB.
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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), conducts one of Nigeria’s most credible examinations for tertiary institution admissions. However, the reported low scores in 2025 over 75% of candidates scoring below 200 out of 400, have raised alarm bells. Tochi’s argument aligns with concerns about the AI tools impact on JAMB scores, suggesting that tools like ChatGPT, while helpful, may be fostering laziness among students.
The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has transformed education globally, and Nigeria is no exception. AI tools can improve study habits, time management, and feedback mechanisms through personalized learning and adaptive test adjustments. Students in the study gave AI tools an average rating of 4.37 out of 5 for enhancing learning efficiency, indicating their potential benefits. However, the same study cautions against over-reliance, a concern echoed by Tochi.
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In the context of JAMB, where the exam tests a broad range of subjects and critical thinking skills, copying and pasting answers from AI tools is unlikely to suffice. JAMB’s computer-based test (CBT) format, implemented across 793 centers as of March 2024, requires students to demonstrate independent knowledge, something AI dependency might hinder.
Moreover, systemic issues in Nigerian education, such as limited access to computers and the internet for many students, may exacerbate the problem. While AI tools offer opportunities for learning, they also highlight the digital divide, potentially widening the gap between students who can use them effectively and those who cannot.
