By John Umeh
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigeria’s apex examination body responsible for organizing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), has officially acknowledged the presence of errors in the conduct of the 2025 examination. The announcement has stirred nationwide concern, particularly among candidates, parents, and education stakeholders who rely on the credibility of UTME scores to gain admission into tertiary institutions.
The 2025 edition of the UTME, conducted between April 19 and April 29, was marred by a series of complaints ranging from incomplete results, abrupt system shutdowns at Computer-Based Test (CBT) centers, and scoring anomalies. In a press briefing held at the Board’s headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, admitted that certain technical issues had compromised the integrity of some results. He assured the public that investigations were underway to identify affected candidates and rectify the situation promptly.
According to Prof. Oloyede, “We deeply regret the inconveniences faced by some candidates during the conduct of the 2025 UTME. Preliminary investigations reveal that these anomalies stemmed from server disruptions and configuration issues at select CBT centers. We are taking responsibility and we promise swift action to ensure no candidate suffers unjustly.”
The announcement came after days of mounting pressure from civil society organizations, education advocacy groups, and affected students who flooded social media with screenshots and testimonials about irregularities in their scores. Some candidates reported seeing drastically reduced scores that did not align with their performance. Others claimed they were logged out mid-exam and not allowed to resume, leading to incomplete submissions.
In response, JAMB has set up a dedicated complaints resolution team and launched an online portal for candidates to submit evidence of scoring inconsistencies and CBT-related disruptions. The Board has also suspended several CBT centers pending further investigation and has warned others to comply strictly with operational guidelines to avoid future incidents.
“Integrity is the hallmark of our examination system,” Prof. Oloyede emphasized. “We have zero tolerance for incompetence or malpractice. While we recognize that no system is perfect, our commitment remains to fairness, transparency, and accountability.”
The Board further disclosed that it would re-conduct the UTME for affected candidates at no additional cost. Dates for the re-examination are expected to be announced in the coming days, and only candidates whose complaints are validated will be eligible.
Education stakeholders have responded with a mix of relief and concern. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) commended JAMB for its transparency but urged the Board to ensure such issues do not recur. “We appreciate JAMB for owning up to the errors,” said NANS President, Comrade Abdulrahman Mohammed. “However, the frequency of these issues is worrisome. We call for a comprehensive audit of the UTME system to forestall future disruptions.”
Private education consultants and school proprietors have also echoed calls for reforms. Many argue that JAMB must invest in more robust technology infrastructure and improve oversight at CBT centers. “This isn’t the first time we’re seeing problems,” said Mrs. Grace Anya, a school principal in Lagos. “We need to move beyond apologies to long-term solutions. Our students deserve better.”
Despite the backlash, JAMB’s quick acknowledgment and proactive stance have been viewed positively in some quarters. Analysts note that the Board’s willingness to investigate and re-conduct exams reflects a shift toward more responsive governance. Nonetheless, trust remains a fragile currency in Nigeria’s education sector, and JAMB’s next steps will likely determine how much public confidence it can regain.
As the Board moves forward with corrective measures, affected candidates and their families remain hopeful for a fair resolution. The outcome of this situation will not only affect the current admission cycle but also set a precedent for how examination bodies in Nigeria handle accountability in the digital age.
For now, JAMB has promised to publish weekly updates on its investigations and provide direct communication channels for students needing clarification. With over 1.9 million candidates sitting for the 2025 UTME, the spotlight remains firmly on the Board to ensure justice and restore the integrity of one of Nigeria’s most critical examinations.
