KEY POINTS
- Dr. Christian Okeke is engaging JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede to resign post-2025 UTME mass failure.
- JAMB also releases the result and makes provision for retake for over 380,000 candidates who complain about technical errors.
- Education stakeholders demand change in depth and transparency in Nigeria’s examination system.
Dr. Christian Okeke, a senior lecturer in Nnamdi Azikiwe University has called on the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof Ishaq Oloyede to resign following widespread failure during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Okeke, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science, said the registrar’s public apology would not do; the emotional display cannot reverse the psychological trauma candidates suffered. “How can the Registrar’s tears raise the dead and emphasize the depression into which candidates have been thrown?”. Okeke also added “It was almost a national mourning”.
JAMB handling and communication- criticism
The academic went on to condemn JAMB for the initial refusal of any technical failure during the exam. As he puts it, only a wave of public pressure and the threat of legal action forced the board into accepting any wrongdoing, he says.
“The bare minimum acceptable from the board is to publish the true results, offer psychological support and they must take full responsibility: starting with the Registrar’s resignation”, said Okeke.
JAMB Admits fault, announces retake
JAMB has since admitted technical lapses that spoiled the 2025 UTME, with results from many centres across the country nullified. Speaking at a press briefing, Prof. Oloyede owned up, apologising to candidates affected.
Please, I apologise and take full responsibility, not by words only”, said Oloyede, whose face looked emotional, he said. JAMB said a total of 379,997 candidates would rewrite the examination between May 16 and 18 in the designated centres of Lagos and South Ease, and Imo, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu States.
Reform and accountability demand gain steam
Even with the apology, more pressure is piled on the examination body. Education stakeholders are calling for holistic reforms in institutions as well as accountability to JAMB leadership.
Finally Oloyede blamed the deficiencies on negligence by some staff and promised to embark on internal corrective measures to forestall the re-occurrence of the debacle.
