Following the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) admission of technical issues during its recent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), a university lecturer has called for the immediate resignation of the Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.
Dr. Christian Okeke, a Political Science lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, criticized the Registrar’s handling of the situation, saying that taking responsibility and showing emotion are not enough—he must step down.
Dr. Okeke condemned JAMB’s decision to have candidates in affected centres retake the exam, describing it as unfair and insensitive. He argued that the best solution would be to release the original results rather than subject students to further stress.
He also took issue with JAMB’s initial defense of the poor nationwide results, in which over 1.5 million candidates scored below 200, accusing the board of only admitting failure after public backlash and legal pressure.
“No amount of public tears can undo the harm done or console the families of those affected,” Dr. Okeke said, referencing the Registrar’s emotional reaction during a press briefing.
He further labelled the plan to reschedule exams in 65 centres in Lagos and 92 across the South East as “heartless and inconsiderate,” given the emotional and logistical toll on students.
Dr. Okeke urged JAMB to instead focus on transparency by releasing the actual results, providing psychological support to affected candidates, and holding those responsible accountable—starting with Prof. Oloyede.
He also commended Nigerians who have spoken out against what he described as the unacceptable conduct of a government agency.
