JAMB Registrar Apologizes Over 2025 UTME Errors, Reschedules Exams for Affected Candidates
By Alphayem News — Education Desk
The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, has publicly apologized following errors that occurred during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, an emotional Oloyede admitted that what should have been a season of joy for candidates turned into one of disappointment and trauma.
According to JAMB, the technical and human errors affected the integrity of the results of several candidates across Nigeria, prompting the Board to reschedule a fresh examination for 379,997 candidates in Lagos State and the five South-East states.
Why the Apology Matters
For many Nigerian students, the UTME represents a crucial milestone. It determines entry into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. An error in this process can shatter dreams, delay academic progress, and cause psychological stress. Prof. Oloyede’s tearful apology signaled recognition of the gravity of the issue.
“I apologise for the trauma caused to candidates,” Oloyede said, admitting full responsibility. “What should have been a moment of joy has changed due to one or two errors.”
2025 UTME Performance Breakdown
Out of the 1.9 million candidates who sat for the 2025 UTME, more than 1.5 million scored below 200 out of 400 marks. This represents over 75% of the total number of candidates. The widespread low performance sparked outrage, with many candidates and parents questioning whether the scores were a true reflection of the students’ performance or a result of errors during marking and grading.
Social media platforms were filled with posts from disappointed students and parents, some of whom threatened legal action against JAMB. Affected candidates accused the Board of negligence, arguing that the situation could jeopardize their university admission prospects.
Rescheduled Examination for Affected Candidates
In response, JAMB announced that 379,997 candidates would have to retake the exam. These candidates are concentrated in Lagos and the South-East, areas where technical glitches were most reported. The fresh exam is expected to hold within weeks, and candidates will receive official text messages starting from Thursday, May 15, 2025.
“The affected candidates will start getting text messages for rescheduling starting from tomorrow (Thursday). I apologise, I take full responsibility,” the Registrar assured.
Reactions from Candidates and Parents
The decision to reschedule exams has been met with mixed reactions. While some candidates welcomed the opportunity to prove themselves again, others expressed frustration over the emotional and financial stress of sitting for another exam. Parents are equally concerned about the short notice and logistical challenges the rescheduling might bring.
Some stakeholders, including education activists, have called for JAMB to release a detailed report of what went wrong in order to restore confidence in the Board’s examination system.
Implications for the Nigerian Education System
The errors in the 2025 UTME highlight deeper concerns about the credibility of public examinations in Nigeria. With over 1.9 million candidates relying on JAMB for fair assessment, any mistake not only disrupts academic calendars but also undermines trust in the system.
Education experts suggest that beyond apologies, JAMB must invest in stronger technology infrastructure, staff training, and independent auditing of results. This would ensure that future UTME results are transparent and reliable.
What Affected Candidates Should Do
- Check your registered phone number and email regularly for official messages from JAMB.
- Do not rely on unverified WhatsApp groups or agents claiming to provide exam details.
- Visit the official JAMB website for authentic updates.
- Use this opportunity to revise and prepare better for the rescheduled exam.
For guides on exam preparation and study tips, check our Education section.
Moving Forward: Can JAMB Restore Confidence?
While Prof. Oloyede’s apology is commendable, the real test lies in how efficiently the Board handles the rescheduled exam. Ensuring a smooth process, error-free grading, and transparent communication will determine whether JAMB can rebuild its reputation.
The 2025 UTME incident serves as a reminder that Nigeria’s education sector must prioritize accountability, digital transformation, and quality assurance if it wants to prepare students for a competitive global future.
Final Thoughts
The UTME is a defining moment for millions of young Nigerians each year. Mistakes can derail futures, but swift corrective measures can also restore hope. As candidates prepare for the rescheduled exam, stakeholders must work together to ensure fairness, transparency, and accuracy in Nigeria’s admission process.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the 2025 UTME errors? Share your experience in the comments below. For real-time admission news, visit our 2025/2026 Admission Updates page.
