The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has engaged a team of Information Technology (IT) experts and educational assessment professionals to investigate the alleged technical glitches that marred the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This action comes after widespread complaints from candidates and stakeholders about issues with the exam system, which have raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the results.
The 2025 UTME, which saw a record 1.9 million candidates sitting for the exam, has been under scrutiny following the release of the results, which revealed that 1.5 million candidates scored below 200 out of the total 400 marks. This outcome has sparked debates, with many questioning the effectiveness of the exam’s system and whether technical faults played a role in the mass failure.
Several candidates have taken to social media to express frustration over what they described as technical glitches during the exam. According to reports, these glitches impacted both the testing process and the timely release of results, with some students claiming that their answers were not properly recorded, and others faced challenges with the online system. The complaints have resulted in mounting pressure on JAMB to address the situation swiftly and fairly.
Alex Onyia, a renowned education advocate and CEO of Educare, has been vocal about the issue, revealing that over 8,000 students have submitted complaints regarding the exam’s glitches. Onyia expressed concern for the mental health of the affected students, calling for transparency in the examination process. He further urged JAMB to provide all candidates with their individual mark sheets, which would allow them to review their answers and identify discrepancies. Onyia has also hinted at potential legal action, stating that the affected students were prepared to take the matter to court if their concerns were not adequately addressed.
In response to the growing allegations, JAMB’s spokesperson, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, confirmed that the board had engaged a team of experts to conduct a thorough review of the examination process. According to Dr. Benjamin, the investigation is part of JAMB’s annual post-examination review, which assesses all aspects of the UTME, from registration to the release of results.
The team of experts includes members from the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria, Vice Chancellors of various tertiary institutions, Chief External Examiners, and professionals from the Educational Assessment and Research Network in Africa. These experts are tasked with identifying any systemic faults or inefficiencies that may have contributed to the technical difficulties reported during the exam.
Dr. Benjamin assured that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly and impartially, with the aim of ensuring fairness for all candidates. He explained that JAMB takes complaints seriously and is committed to addressing valid issues in a timely manner. The board further emphasized that, where technical issues are verified, remedial measures would be put in place, including the rescheduling of exams for affected candidates.
In its statement, JAMB clarified that the complaints regarding glitches were not widespread, but were confined to a limited number of locations. However, the board emphasized that any verified issues would be rectified, and that no candidate would be disadvantaged due to technical problems.
As part of its efforts to maintain transparency, JAMB has pledged to work with its expert team to resolve any issues that arise from the investigation. The board has also reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the UTME process remains fair and transparent, and that all candidates are given a fair opportunity to succeed.
While the investigation continues, the focus now shifts to the broader implications of the alleged glitches. Experts have called for a more robust and reliable examination system, one that can handle the large number of candidates participating each year. They also stress the need for more rigorous testing of the system before the exam begins, to prevent such incidents in the future.
The ongoing investigation into the alleged technical glitches in the 2025 UTME is a crucial step in ensuring the integrity and credibility of the examination process. JAMB’s decision to engage a team of IT professionals and educational experts is a positive move towards transparency, and it is hoped that the findings will lead to concrete actions to improve the examination system in the future. With the future of thousands of students at stake, the outcome of this investigation will likely shape the way forward for Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process.
As the investigation progresses, it is vital that JAMB continues to communicate openly with candidates and stakeholders, providing updates on the progress of the review and any actions taken to address the concerns raised. The integrity of the UTME must be upheld to ensure that Nigeria’s education system remains credible and fair for all candidates.