JAMB Registrar Apologizes for UTME Errors; 379,997 Candidates in Lagos and South-East to Retake Exams

In an unprecedented move, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has acknowledged significant errors in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), leading to the decision for 379,997 candidates in Lagos and the South-East to retake the exam.

During a press conference held on May 14, 2025, JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, emotionally addressed the nation, admitting to the board’s shortcomings and taking full responsibility for the mishap. He stated, “I apologize and take full responsibility not just in words,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

The errors, attributed to human and technological factors, affected candidates in 65 centers in Lagos and 92 centers across the South-East states of Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu. These candidates are scheduled to retake the UTME between May 16 and 18, 2025.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) branch, has expressed dissatisfaction with the situation. Chairman Óyibo Eze criticized the mass failure, particularly in the South-East, and threatened legal action if JAMB fails to review and rectify the results.

In contrast, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal commended Professor Oloyede for his transparency and willingness to offer affected students another opportunity. He remarked, “When a leader admits an error, he should be forgiven.”

As JAMB works to address these challenges, stakeholders are calling for systemic reforms to prevent future occurrences and ensure the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary education admission process.