BREAKING NEWS: JAMB Announces Retake for 379,997 Candidates in 2025 UTME – What Went Wrong?

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed a significant decision following the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

A staggering 379,997 candidates will have to retake the exam due to issues that marred the initial testing process.

This announcement was made during a press conference in Abuja, where JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, addressed the public alongside other officials.

The backdrop of the event, featuring the JAMB logo and the words "Service and Integrity," underscored the board's commitment to fairness, even as it grapples with one of the most challenging moments in its recent history.

The 2025 UTME has been under intense scrutiny after results revealed an alarming failure rate. Out of the 1.9 million candidates who participated, over 1.5 million scored below 200 out of a possible 400 marks—a failure rate exceeding 75%.

This unprecedented outcome sparked widespread concern among students, parents, and educators across Nigeria.

Social media platforms, including X, buzzed with reactions, with some users calling for the complete scrapping of JAMB, while others questioned the transparency of the examination process.

The scale of the failure prompted JAMB to launch a thorough investigation into what went wrong, with Prof. Oloyede admitting that technical glitches might have played a role in the dismal performance.

During the press briefing, Prof. Oloyede expressed regret, stating, "What should have been a moment of celebration for many has been overshadowed by a few errors."

He took full responsibility for the mishap, emphasizing JAMB's dedication to maintaining the integrity of the examination system.

To address the issue, JAMB has partnered with several reputable organizations, including the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria, the Educational Assessment and Research Network in Africa, and chief external examiners from tertiary institutions.

This collaborative effort aims to audit the entire examination process—from registration to the conduct of the exam and the release of results—to identify the root causes of the problems and ensure they are rectified.

The decision to allow 379,997 candidates to retake the UTME is a significant step, but it has not quelled all concerns.

Many stakeholders are questioning why the re-examination is limited to this number when the failure rate suggests a more systemic issue.

On X, users expressed mixed reactions. Some praised JAMB for acknowledging the errors and taking action, with one user noting, "That’s the power of social media," highlighting how public outcry likely pressured the board into responding.

Others, however, were less impressed, with comments like, "Why not all of them? The process was not clear," reflecting a lack of trust in JAMB’s handling of the situation.

Another user went as far as calling JAMB a "confused board," advocating for its dissolution due to perceived incompetence.

This incident also shines a spotlight on deeper issues within Nigeria’s education sector.

According to a report by The Sun Nigeria, the sector has been plagued by underinvestment for decades, leading to systemic challenges that undermine the quality of education.

JAMB, as a critical gatekeeper for tertiary admissions, has often been at the center of controversy, with past criticisms focusing on examination malpractices and inconsistencies in results.

Prof. Oloyede, who has been lauded for his efforts to combat malpractices since becoming Registrar, now faces one of his toughest challenges yet.

His claim that the 2025 results align with historical performance trends has been met with skepticism, as many argue that the scale of failure this year is unprecedented.

As JAMB moves forward with the re-examination and continues its investigation, the public awaits further clarity.

The board has promised compensation for affected candidates if errors are confirmed, but for now, the focus remains on ensuring that the retake process is seamless and fair.

This development has sparked a broader conversation about the reliability of standardized testing in Nigeria and whether systemic reforms are needed to prevent such occurrences in the future.

For the 379,997 candidates preparing to retake the UTME, the stakes are high, and they will be hoping for a process that truly reflects their abilities this time around.