JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede publicly apologized for technical glitches in the 2025 UTME, as nearly 380,000 candidates are set to retake the exam due to errors affecting scores and performance
JAMB Registrar Apologizes for 2025 UTME Errors, Announces Retake for Nearly 380,000 Candidates
The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has publicly apologized for technical issues that marred the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), admitting the board’s fault and visibly fighting back tears during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.
Technical Glitch Affected 157 Centres
Addressing the media, Oloyede acknowledged that a significant technical glitch impacted 157 out of the 887 examination centres across the country. He stated that the error led to widespread performance issues, prompting the board to schedule a retake for 379,997 affected candidates, beginning May 16, 2025.
“Once again, we apologise and assure you that this incident represents a significant setback… We remain committed to emerging stronger in our core values of transparency, fairness, and equity,” he said, wiping away tears with a white handkerchief.
JAMB also confirmed the glitch via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, adding, “Man proposes, God disposes.”
Massive Drop in Scores Triggers Public Outcry
Data released by JAMB showed a sharp decline in candidates’ performance. Of the 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the 2025 UTME, over 1.5 million scored below 200.
- Only 4,756 candidates (0.24%) scored 320 and above.
- 12,414 candidates (0.63%) scored 300 and above.
- 983,187 candidates (50.29%) scored between 160 and 199 — the largest group.
- 2,031 candidates (0.10%) scored below 100.
JAMB attributed much of the underperformance to the technical failures experienced in some centres.
Underage Candidates and Exceptional Scores
Interestingly, the board disclosed that 40,247 underage candidates were allowed to sit for the 2025 UTME based on their “exceptional abilities.” However, only 467 of them met the benchmark to qualify as exceptional.
Exam Malpractices and Ongoing Investigations
JAMB revealed that 97 candidates were directly involved in examination infractions, while 2,157 others are currently under investigation for suspected malpractice. Additionally, 71,701 candidates were absent, and some are undergoing review due to biometric verification issues.
The board assured that candidates cleared after investigation will be rescheduled to take the examination at designated centres.
Post-UTME Review and Expert Involvement
In response to widespread complaints, JAMB initiated an immediate review of the 2025 UTME. The move was prompted by what it described as an “unusual volume of complaints” from candidates and parents regarding errors in question delivery, technical hitches, and low scores.
According to its Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the board has fast-tracked its post-examination audit process and has enlisted experts from the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria, vice chancellors, and education measurement experts to evaluate the conduct of the exam.
Education Minister Defends JAMB’s Technology
Speaking on Channels TV, Minister of Education Tunji Alausa defended JAMB’s anti-cheating technology, crediting it for making malpractice “nearly impossible.” He also advocated for similar computer-based testing systems to be adopted by other examination bodies like WAEC and NECO.
Legal Action Looms
Despite the apology, tension continues to build as some candidates and parents reportedly consider legal action against JAMB over the errors and their impact on future academic prospects. Read More
Additional Report Source: Channels TV
