Lawmakers representing Nigeria’s South-East region are calling for the resignation of the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, following what they describe as a “catastrophic institutional failure” in the conduct of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
In a statement issued Monday, Rep. Igariwey Iduma Enwo, leader of the South-East Caucus in the House of Representatives, said the five states in the region were directly affected by widespread “score distortions” in this year’s UTME results. The lawmakers argue that JAMB’s response to the crisis, including a rushed rescheduling of exams, failed to address the scale of the problem and left many students at a disadvantage.
“Reports indicate that the notice was far too short for most of the students, resulting in low turnout; and in some cases, the rescheduled date has clashed with ongoing WAEC examination papers. The outcome has been heart-wrenching for students and parents, and agonizingly shambolic, to say the very least.”- the statement read
JAMB released the 2025 UTME results on May 9, revealing that more than 78 percent of candidates scored below 200 out of a possible 400 points. The results triggered protests and widespread concern about the integrity of the examination process. JAMB later admitted a technical error, disclosing that faulty server updates in its Lagos and South-East zones prevented the proper upload of candidates’ responses during the first three days of the exam. A total of 379,997 candidates were affected and asked to retake the exam between May 16 and May 19.
The South-East Caucus insists that these measures are insufficient. Citing Section 18(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees equal educational opportunities, the lawmakers argue that the flawed UTME has denied thousands of students in the region their rights.
“As a result of the above reasons and many more, we call for a total cancellation of the 2025 UTME examinations, and a new date fixed for same across the country,” the statement continued. The Caucus also backed calls from the Association of Tutorial School Operators to move the UTME to July or August, after the conclusion of WAEC and NECO exams.
In addition to demanding Professor Oloyede’s resignation, the lawmakers called for the immediate suspension of those responsible for JAMB’s digital operations and examination logistics. “Leadership must carry consequences,” they said.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has also called for a thorough investigation into the technical failures that led to the widespread problems, particularly in Lagos and the South-East.
JAMB has said it will release the results of the rescheduled exams soon. Meanwhile, the controversy continues to generate debate among students, parents, and education stakeholders nationwide.
