JAMB Reviews 379000 UTME Resit Results as Oloyede Faces Mixed Reactions Over Exam Glitch
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is finalizing an audit of the results from the rescheduled 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for 379,775 candidates, according to The PUNCH. The audit, involving civil society groups, academic stakeholders, and independent observers, is being conducted before public release of the results, now expected on Thursday.
Though JAMB’s spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, had previously said results would be released on Wednesday, internal findings revealed that a thorough review was still ongoing. The delay follows a major technical failure that disrupted the initial exam, affecting nearly 380,000 candidates.
Meanwhile, JAMB announced a new round of mop-up examinations to accommodate over 5.6% of candidates who missed the test. JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede said the fresh mop-up aims to ensure every affected candidate gets a fair opportunity.
“This time, even those who were absent for any reason will get another chance,” he noted, stressing that the UTME is meant to rank candidates for admission, not measure intelligence.
Why is JAMB rescheduling a special mop-up exam?
The board wants to ensure fairness after widespread disruptions during the 2025 UTME. Despite earlier apologies, some candidates missed the exam due to technical faults or scheduling overlaps with WAEC, prompting JAMB to extend the chance for resit.
Oloyede dismissed claims of ethnic bias or incompetence, saying, “I take responsibility not because I failed, but because that’s what leadership demands.” He encouraged Nigerians to avoid profiling, adding that many criticisms stem from misunderstandings or regional sentiments.
In response to criticism from the South-East caucus of the House of Representatives, who called for Oloyede’s resignation, lawmakers from the South-West have voiced support for the embattled registrar. The South-East lawmakers, led by Iduma Igariwey, blamed JAMB for “institutional failure,” arguing the glitch disproportionately affected students in their region and caused emotional distress due to poor communication and exam clashes.
They demanded the suspension of digital and logistics officials and criticized the resit process as inadequate.
However, Southwest lawmakers, including Oluwole Oke and Wale Raji, have defended Oloyede’s integrity, saying he has shown rare accountability in public office.
“Prof. Oloyede is transparent and upright. He admitted the error, apologized, and made arrangements for affected students,” said Oke.
Raji also noted that students in Lagos were equally affected, urging unity rather than regional blame. “His apology and prompt action set a good standard. The resignation calls are unjustified,” he added.
Despite repeated attempts, South-West Caucus Chair James Faleke did not comment on the issue.
JAMB has assured the public of its commitment to fairness, transparency, and improved logistics to prevent future glitches as it prepares for the release of the audited UTME results and the upcoming mop-up exam.
