The 2025 JAMB UTME Failure: A Call for Reform in Nigeria’s Examination System and Why JAMB Registrar Deserve more than Criticism
By Fakinlede Tope John Firstclassgists
The 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results have sparked outrage and disappointment across Nigeria. With reports revealing that more than 75% of candidates failed to meet the average pass mark of 200, many JAMB candidates, known as JAMBites, were left heartbroken. Protests erupted, both online and at JAMB offices, as students, guardians and parents voiced their anger over the results. Some even took to social media to share their frustrations, and in one tragic instance, a young girl took her life after seeing her result. This crisis led to widespread criticism of JAMB and its leadership.
Today, May 14, 2025, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, the JAMB Registrar, addressed the situation with a public apology. He explained that technical glitches in certain regions, including Lagos and parts of the South East, had affected the results of close to 400,000 candidates. Professor Oloyede, visibly emotional, expressed regret for the pain caused by the errors. While many Nigerians have criticized his leadership, some even called for his resignation or the scrapping of JAMB altogether, it’s important to look at his leadership in a broader context and acknowledge the positive changes he has brought to JAMB over the years.
A History of Progress Under Professor Oloyede
Since Professor Oloyede took over as JAMB Registrar, the examination system has undergone significant improvements. One of the biggest changes was the management of transition to Computer-Based Test (CBT) by Prof. Dibu Ojerinde. This shift was a major achievement, making the exam process more transparent and efficient. Today, JAMB holds the record for having the largest computer-based exam in the world, with over 1.5 million candidates participating annually.
These reforms have made the examination process more reliable and less prone to corruption. JAMB has also implemented measures to reduce the influence of external factors, such as malpractice, making the system more fair for all students. Professor Oloyede’s leadership has undeniably brought JAMB into the modern age, improving the way exams are conducted and ensuring that more candidates have a fair chance at success.
The Glitches: A Setback, Not a Failure
While the technical glitches that affected the 2025 UTME results were a setback, it is important to understand that this does not reflect the entire picture of Professor Oloyede’s leadership. No system is perfect, and even the most advanced technologies can experience failures. The glitches, which impacted the results of candidates in certain regions, were not caused by poor management but rather by unforeseen technical issues. These issues are being investigated, and those responsible for the failure should be held accountable.
Professor Oloyede’s emotional apology and tears show that he takes this issue seriously and feels deeply for the students who have been affected. His sincere regret proves that he does not take the pain of the candidates lightly. As the saying goes, “A leader who does not feel the pain of his people is not fit to lead.” Professor Oloyede has always been committed to improving the system, and his response to this crisis demonstrates that he cares deeply about the students’ welfare.
The Need for Accountability and Future Improvements
It is clear that the glitches must be addressed, and those who carelessnesly responsible for them should face consequences. However, it is equally important to recognize that the vast majority of the systems implemented under Professor Oloyede’s leadership have been successful. The computer-based system has allowed millions of students to sit for exams more efficiently and with greater fairness.
Moving forward, JAMB must implement stricter measures to ensure that technical failures like this do not occur again. This includes improving the training of staff, upgrading technology, and conducting regular checks to ensure the system is functioning properly. The challenges faced this year should lead to a stronger and more reliable system in the future.
Looking Ahead
While the 2025 UTME result crisis is a major disappointment, it should not overshadow the progress that has been made under Professor Oloyede’s leadership. He has worked tirelessly to modernize JAMB and make the examination system more transparent and accessible. The recent glitches were an unfortunate setback, but they do not erase the many positive changes that have occurred under his watch.
As the proverb goes, “A person who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” We must recognize that even in moments of failure, there is an opportunity to learn and improve. Professor Oloyede has shown that he is willing to learn from this situation, and with the support of all stakeholders, JAMB can emerge stronger and more reliable.
This crisis is a moment for all Nigerians to come together, not only to hold the responsible individuals accountable but also to ensure that the necessary reforms are made to prevent such issues from recurring in the future. Together, we can build a better examination system
for the students of tomorrow.
