UTME 2025: JAMB admits to errors as Registrar Oloyede breaks down in tears

• JAMB Registrar Professor Ishaq Oloyede admits to errors in the 2025 UTME and apologises in tears during a press briefing
• Public pressure had mounted on the board after over 75% of candidates scored below 200, leading to calls for resits and full transparency
• Anambra and Lagos states recorded the highest malpractice cases; 80 suspects arrested across Nigeria

In an emotional press briefing held in Abuja on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, publicly admitted to errors in the conduct of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The board's errors, he confirmed, negatively impacted candidates' performance and caused widespread distress.

“What should have been a moment of joy has changed due to one or two errors,” Oloyede stated, visibly emotional as he broke down in tears while apologising to the affected candidates and their families.

“I apologise for the trauma caused the candidates,” he added.

This public apology came amid growing national outrage and calls for accountability, following the release of this year’s UTME results. More than 75% of the 1.9 million candidates who took the exam scored below the 200-mark average, sparking allegations of technical glitches, discrepant scores, and calls for remarking or resits.

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JAMB had previously defended the results, claiming they aligned with historical performance patterns. However, under increased public pressure and growing evidence of systemic issues, the board has now admitted fault and scheduled a formal review meeting for Thursday, May 15, 2025.

During the same briefing, the Registrar also revealed that Anambra and Lagos states recorded the highest number of malpractice cases, with 80 suspects apprehended nationwide so far.

In response to the backlash, JAMB has invited stakeholders, including examiners, principals, education experts, and critics, to a comprehensive review of the UTME process, promising transparency and corrective action.

Nigerians react as JAMB admits 2025 UTME errors

TheRadar compiled some reactions from social media as netizens didn't hesitate in making their mind known regarding the latest development from JAMB.

@indulge_tweets

E don affect one oga pikin be that, cos the urgency to review....despite YoY accusations.

@ChiamakaNwaJohn

They should organize a resit for students who are willing to rewrite.

JAMB made the mess and this is the lease they could do.

@Spik_up

This is an embarrassment.

They have been sh@tty for a long time, they only admitted this year's own because it was obvious.

A nonchalant institution.

@Davidspredict

Time and effort of students wasted

@cameoses

I think it was pretty obvious after I watched 2 interviews of two exam writers. Just that, for Nigeria, things easily go backwards and people think it’s progress. They must rectify this and apologise to all those they pissed off. Very uncool!

JAMB clarifies candidates can take exams anywhere in Nigeria

Earlier, TheRadar reported that JAMB affirmed that candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) could write the exam in any location across Nigeria, regardless of where they registered.

The clarification followed a misleading report suggesting that candidates must take the UTME in the same state where they completed their registration.