UTME 2025: JAMB Admits Errors, After Public Outcry Over Mass Failure, Technical Issues

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, broke down in tears on Monday as he publicly apologised to candidates and their parents over the widespread failure and technical glitches that marred the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the visibly emotional registrar admitted that despite the board’s best efforts to ensure a smooth exercise, systemic failures led to the challenges faced by many candidates.

We set all machineries in order, regardless, there were still errors, Oloyede said, acknowledging the frustrations expressed by candidates and their families over the mass failure and irregularities recorded in the recent exams.

JAMB revealed that 379,997 candidates in Lagos and the South East zone were directly affected by technical glitches, which distorted results and disrupted exam schedules.

Specifically, 206,610 candidates were affected in 65 centres across Lagos and 173,387 candidates in 92 centres within the Owerri zone, covering the five South East states.

In response, the board announced a rescheduled examination for all affected candidates, slated for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday this week. JAMB assured that any candidate facing a timetable clash would be promptly rescheduled.

The board further disclosed that out of the 1.9 million candidates who sat for the 2025 UTME nationwide, over 1.5 million scored below 200 out of the maximum 400 marks, a statistic that has sparked widespread concerns in the education sector about the integrity of the examination process and the preparedness of candidates.

JAMB’s apology comes after intense public criticism and outcry from stakeholders who demanded transparency and accountability over the conduct of the examinations.

It should be recalled that JAMB earlier defended its procedures, insisting that examinations officially start at 8:00 a.m., not 6:00 a.m. The incident intensified public outrage over logistical issues surrounding UTME and Mock UTME scheduling.

Peter Obi, the Labour Party 2023 presidential candidate, weighed in. In a statement posted on X, Obi decried the systemic failures forcing vulnerable teenagers to embark on dangerous journeys for examinations scheduled as early as 6:30 a.m.

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