Several Nigerian universities have commended the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for his transparency and accountability in handling the recent technical error that affected the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
On Wednesday, JAMB acknowledged that a technical glitch compromised the integrity of UTME results in 157 centres across the country, impacting 379,997 candidates. The issue, traced to faulty server updates from one of JAMB’s technical service providers, led to the failure to upload candidates’ responses during the first three days of the examination, primarily in Lagos and South-East centres.
To rectify the problem, JAMB announced a rescheduled UTME for affected candidates starting Friday, May 16.
UNILORIN: “A Rare Act of Accountability”
In a statement on Thursday, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof. Wahab Egbewole, lauded Prof. Oloyede’s leadership, describing his response as an “uncommon phenomenon” in Nigeria’s public service.
“We commend your courage, integrity, and honesty in taking full responsibility for an error that could easily have been blamed on a third-party service provider,” the statement read.
UNILORIN praised the registrar for not hiding the truth and for demonstrating values that younger generations should emulate.
“Your transparency and strength of character are commendable. You remain a proud alumnus and worthy ambassador of our university. May God continue to guide you in service to our nation.”
LASU: “A Model of Integrity”
Similarly, Lagos State University (LASU) expressed strong support for Prof. Oloyede, applauding his rare display of accountability in public office. In a statement by Mrs. Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, Deputy Registrar and Coordinator of LASU’s Centre for Information and Public Relations, the university described his actions as exemplary.
“Rather than shifting blame, Prof. Oloyede took full responsibility for the technical issues that invalidated results for nearly 380,000 candidates. This is a hallmark of true leadership,” she stated.
LASU emphasized that Oloyede’s openness and decision to order a re-examination showed both humility and commitment to restoring public confidence in the examination process.
“Since his appointment in 2016, Prof. Oloyede has reformed JAMB, improving transparency and boosting public trust. His leadership has directly benefited LASU through the admission of better-qualified candidates,” she added.
LASU urged Nigerians to see the situation not as a failure, but as an opportunity to strengthen the integrity of national examinations, while encouraging continued support for leaders who demonstrate accountability.
Universities across Nigeria have joined in recognizing Oloyede’s principled stance as a much-needed example of ethical leadership in the country’s educational and public sectors.
