Candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have rejected the apology tendered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) over the technical issues that marred the examination. Many of them are calling for a total cancellation of results and the conduct of a fresh exam for all candidates.
This comes after over 1.5 million students failed to score up to 200, triggering widespread concerns about the credibility of the results. While some attributed the poor performance to inadequate preparation, others blamed technical glitches and poor coordination at several exam centres.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, acknowledged the widespread public outcry and confirmed that a major system glitch compromised the integrity of the test in some centres. He revealed that the Board had to fast-track its internal review, usually done in June, due to the gravity of the complaints.
“Our investigation shows that there are valid grounds for the public concerns. This press conference is to openly and objectively present the bitter truth of our findings,” Oloyede said.
He explained that the fault stemmed from a failure by one of JAMB’s service providers to deploy an updated grading software, affecting 65 centres in Lagos (206,610 candidates) and 92 centres in the South-East (173,387 candidates). A total of 379,997 candidates were impacted.
Despite multiple safeguards, including mock exams, simulations, and oversight teams, the error slipped through. Oloyede took full responsibility and issued an apology to affected students and parents.
Affected candidates were told to expect SMS notifications for rescheduled exams to be held on Friday and Saturday.
Students Reject Selective Retakes, Demand Fresh Exams for All
Several affected candidates who spoke with Daily Trust dismissed the apology, insisting that all results be cancelled and a fresh examination held for everyone to ensure fairness.
Aham Ijendu Chimereze, who wrote the exam in Owerri, expressed willingness to retake the test, provided the technical issues are resolved.
Another candidate, Uchenna Eme, recounted how his exam time was rescheduled from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a last-minute change of venue.
“I haven’t checked my result yet, but I don’t mind retaking it. I just want fairness,” he said.
Jennifer, another candidate, complained that power and network failures disrupted her test.
Hassan Abdul from Lokoja and Mercy Obinna from Anambra both insisted that a complete cancellation was the only just solution.
“There’s no need singling out centres. The entire exercise should be redone,” Mercy said.
Some Candidates Want Their Results Upheld
Not all students support a blanket retake. Shoneye Neemah Darasimi from Lagos said she was proud of her score and feared a retake might negatively affect her chances of gaining admission.
“I worked hard, and my result reflects that. If I’m asked to rewrite and score less, it’ll be heartbreaking,” she said.
Similarly, Falola Deborah Oluwatunmise, also from Lagos, shared her frustration over experiencing technical issues during the exam but still managed a good result. She fears a second attempt might not go as well.
Parents: JAMB Must Do Better
Parents also expressed mixed reactions. Sydney Obi said the glitch caused emotional trauma for both candidates and families.
“Mistakes happen, but JAMB must test-run any new system thoroughly next time,” he advised.
Funmilayo Lawrence praised the registrar’s honesty in accepting responsibility, while Ogundipe Bosede Olaitan called on JAMB to release withheld results of underage candidates, noting that parents were never informed such results would be withheld.
Varsity Don Calls for Registrar’s Resignation
Dr. Christian Okeke, a political science lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, demanded Prof. Oloyede’s resignation, calling his apology “insufficient.”
“His tears cannot undo the damage. Only his resignation and a full release of accurate results can bring justice,” he stated.
He criticized JAMB’s initial denial and said only public pressure forced the board to acknowledge its error.
Experts Recommend Immediate Solutions
Prof. Nasiru Idris from Nasarawa State University suggested JAMB adopt a software system that releases results immediately after exams to reduce the risk of tampering.
Education expert Oyarekhua Happiness urged JAMB to innovate and implement more stringent quality assurance processes to prevent future failures.
“This is a national exam. There’s no room for trial and error,” she emphasized.
As the debate continues, JAMB faces pressure to make tough decisions to restore public confidence in the UTME and ensure no student’s future is unfairly jeopardized.
