‘We admit our mistakes’: JAMB acknowledges technical errors in 2025 UTME as over 300,000 candidates to retake exam
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially acknowledged significant errors that adversely affected the performance of candidates during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted across various centers in the country.
In a heartfelt media briefing held in Abuja, JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede stated, “Once again, we apologise and assure you that this incident represents a significant setback…. We remain committed to emerging stronger in our core values of transparency, fairness, and equity.” Oloyede expressed his emotions candidly, wiping tears from his eyes as he recognized the imperfection inherent in their processes.
Following widespread complaints about technical glitches and unusually low scores, the board announced that approximately 379,997 candidates would need to retake the examination. This decision stems from the acknowledgment that 157 out of the 887 examination centers experienced a technical malfunction, which JAMB attributed to the general poor performance.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, JAMB noted, “Man Proposes, God Disposes! It has been established that a technical glitch affected 157 centres in the 2025 UTME. This was basically responsible for the general low performance of the candidates scheduled to sit the examination in those centres.” The board indicated that affected candidates would be contacted to reprint their examination slips, with retakes commencing on May 16, 2025.
The results from the 2025 UTME were particularly alarming, revealing that over 1.5 million out of the 1.95 million candidates scored below the 200 mark. A detailed breakdown indicated that only 12,414 candidates (0.63 percent) achieved scores above 300, while the largest group, consisting of 983,187 candidates (50.29 percent), fell within the 160 to 199 score range.
Furthermore, JAMB reported that 97 candidates were directly involved in examination infractions, with over 2,157 others currently under investigation for suspected malpractices. The board affirmed that all candidates, including those facing biometric challenges, would be treated fairly and that rescheduling would be arranged for those cleared.
In light of the numerous complaints about the UTME, JAMB has decided to expedite its review process, a standard procedure that typically occurs months after the examination. They expressed particular concern about the unusual volume of complaints coming from specific states across the federation.
Source: Channels TV
