“Man Proposes, God Disposes” – JAMB Vows Stronger Systems as 2025 UTME Error Triggers National Review and Rescheduling
Abuja — The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a rescheduled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for 2025 candidates affected by a technical error in 157 centres across Lagos and South-East Nigeria. At a press briefing in Abuja, Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede candidly acknowledged the error, apologized publicly, and affirmed the Board's unwavering commitment to transparency, equity, and quality assurance.
Describing the incident as a “painful but avoidable setback,” Prof. Oloyede explained that a failed software patch applied by one of JAMB’s service providers led to the improper uploading of candidates’ responses in 65 centres in Lagos (206,610 candidates) and 92 centres in the South-East zone (173,387 candidates). These technical lapses occurred between April 25 and April 28, 2025.
“Despite our rigorous preparations, tests, and quality assurance protocols, a lapse by a service provider undermined what could have been our best UTME yet,” he stated. “As Registrar, I take full responsibility and extend a sincere apology to all affected.”
Prof. Oloyede further disclosed that JAMB conducted an immediate audit, originally scheduled for June, due to the volume of public complaints and expert consultations. Stakeholders such as the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), and respected psychometricians contributed to a swift review process that pinpointed the error and verified unaffected centres.
Remedial Action:
All affected candidates will be contacted via SMS, email, and phone to reprint their slips.
The rescheduled UTME will begin on Friday, May 16, 2025.
WAEC has agreed to harmonize timetables to prevent conflict for candidates sitting both exams.
JAMB also reaffirmed the robust mechanisms in place to ensure examination integrity, from multiple testing platforms and simulations to mock exams and committee oversight involving experts in cybersecurity and assessment.
“This error does not define our system,” Prof. Oloyede declared. “We are not infallible, but we are accountable. We have nothing to hide and everything to improve.”
In closing, he thanked the Honourable Minister of Education, concerned Nigerians, and the press for their vigilance, support, and understanding, stating: “Please accept our explanation, thank you for your patience, and to all affected—I am sorry.
ADEOLA KUNLE
