NEWS LEVERAGE

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, broke down in tears on Wednesday as he issued a heartfelt apology to candidates and their parents over the widespread failure recorded in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Oloyede attributed the mass failure to a “systemic failure,” acknowledging that errors during the conduct of the examination marred what should have been a milestone moment for many students.

“What should have been a moment of joy has changed due to one or two errors,” the visibly emotional Registrar said.

Out of the 1,955,069 results processed, over 1.5 million candidates (more than 75%) scored below 200 out of a possible 400 marks. Only 12,414 candidates (0.63%) scored 300 and above. Meanwhile, 50.29% (983,187 candidates) scored between 160 and 199 widely considered the minimum benchmark for university admission.

The data revealed a steep decline in performance: 4,756 candidates (0.24%) scored 320 and above, 7,658 candidates (0.39%) scored between 300–319, 73,441 candidates (3.76%) scored between 250–299, 334,560 (17.11%) scored between 200–249.

Additionally, 24.97% scored between 140–159, while fewer than 0.1% scored below 100.

In response to the revelations, JAMB announced that 65 affected centers will have their candidates retake the exam this weekend Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in Lagos and other parts of the South East. The board has assured that any candidate facing a scheduling conflict will be accommodated through rescheduling.

The mass failure has sparked outrage among students and parents, with some threatening legal action against the examination body.

Further details are expected as the board continues its investigations and remediation efforts.

Source: Punch