JAMB admits errors in UTME results as Buhari’s ex-aide reacts

DDM News

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially admitted to serious technical failures that marred the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

These errors have affected the results of hundreds of thousands of Nigerian students.

During a press briefing in Abuja, JAMB’s Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, broke down in tears while addressing the nation.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), he expressed deep sorrow over the crisis and apologized to candidates and their parents.

The visibly emotional registrar described the development as a “systemic failure” that shattered the dreams of many students.

According to JAMB, approximately 379,997 candidates were affected by the glitches.

These candidates were from Lagos and the five states of the South-East region.

The errors, according to officials, occurred due to technical issues during the conduct and processing of the examination.

The UTME is Nigeria’s national qualifying examination for admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

It is conducted annually by JAMB and remains one of the most competitive exams in the country.

In 2025, over 1.8 million students registered for the examination across various centres.

The examination plays a vital role in determining the future of many young Nigerians.

Its credibility is central to Nigeria’s education system.

As a remedial measure, JAMB has scheduled a retake for the affected candidates.

The retake is to be conducted between Friday and Sunday at designated centres in the affected areas.

JAMB also promised to reschedule candidates whose examination dates clash with other important commitments.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports that this is one of the most widespread technical issues in JAMB’s recent history.

The situation has triggered nationwide concern among parents, students, and education stakeholders.

Lauretta Onochie, former Special Assistant on Social Media to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, strongly condemned the development.

She took to her official X account to express her disappointment and frustration.

In her statement, she questioned the nation’s readiness and commitment to managing such a critical process.

“One year to prepare for an examination that holds the future and destiny of our youngsters, and we bungle it? Pathetic!” she posted.

Her reaction resonated with many Nigerians who expressed similar concerns on social media.

The incident has renewed calls for accountability and reforms in JAMB’s operations.

Critics argue that the scale of the error suggests gross negligence within the examination body.

There are also calls for an independent investigation into JAMB’s technical systems.

Experts say a credible education system must be built on trust, competence, and transparency.

They warn that repeated failures could permanently damage the credibility of national examinations.

Public education advocates are demanding that those responsible be identified and sanctioned.

Civil society organizations are already pushing for stronger oversight of the exam body.

Many Nigerians are questioning how such failures could occur despite previous investments in technology and training.

There is growing pressure on the Federal Ministry of Education to issue a formal statement.

Stakeholders expect the government to take swift action to restore public confidence in the examination process.

The affected candidates and their families are left in uncertainty as they prepare for the rescheduled exams.

For many students, this situation has led to emotional and psychological distress.

Some fear the disruption could impact their chances of gaining admission this academic year.

JAMB has promised to improve its systems and prevent future occurrences.

But observers insist that mere promises are no longer enough.

There must be visible, concrete reforms backed by independent audits and accountability measures.

Until then, the future of millions of young Nigerians remains at risk in a system struggling to uphold integrity.

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