The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, recently made a heartfelt apology for errors that affected hundreds of thousands of candidates in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). During a press conference in Abuja, Oloyede became emotional, shedding tears as he acknowledged the trauma caused to the affected students.
What Went Wrong
Technical issues plagued the examination process, specifically in the Lagos and Owerri zones. A faulty server update prevented the responses of 379,997 candidates from being uploaded during the first three days of the examination. This glitch has left these students in a state of uncertainty, unsure of their academic future.
The Way Forward
To rectify the situation, JAMB has announced that the affected candidates will be required to retake the examination starting May 16. The board has taken steps to ensure that this rescheduled examination does not clash with other important exams, such as the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Taking Responsibility
Prof. Oloyede took full responsibility for the errors, attributing them to negligence on the part of one of the technical service providers. His emotional apology underscores the gravity of the situation and the board’s commitment to making things right.
As the academic calendar hangs in the balance, it’s crucial for JAMB to implement measures that prevent such errors in the future. The board’s response will be closely watched by students, parents, and educators alike.