JAMB Under Fire: Reps Set To Uncover Truth Behind 2025 UTME System Failure

The UTME is an annual exam organized by JAMB for students seeking admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions such as universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. It serves as a critical milestone since candidates’ performance determines their eligibility for higher education.

In recent years, JAMB transitioned from a paper-based format to computer-based testing (CBT) to enhance efficiency and reduce malpractice. However, technical issues—including network failures, login problems, and system glitches—have increasingly caused disruptions.

The reported malfunction during the 2025 UTME has drawn the attention of lawmakers, prompting the House of Representatives to initiate a probe aimed at uncovering the root causes and recommending ways to prevent future occurrences.

Meanwhile, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has weighed in on the controversy. JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede acknowledged errors affecting 206,610 candidates across 65 centres in Lagos and 92 centres in the Owerri zone, involving 173,387 candidates from five South East states.

Oloyede admitted, “What should have been a moment of joy has changed due to one or two errors. We set all machineries in order; regardless, there were still errors.” He described the incident as an act of “sabotage” and confirmed that affected candidates would receive text notifications from JAMB beginning Thursday. He also announced a retake window scheduled from May 16 to May 19, 2025.

In response, Peter Obi urged JAMB and other key institutions to implement robust quality assurance measures, including thorough testing and continuous auditing of their technical systems. While commending JAMB’s prompt admission of faults, Obi highlighted the emotional and psychological impact on students and parents—some of whom have reportedly suffered severe trauma and, tragically, even death—underscoring the gravity of the situation.