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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced the rescheduled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) today, following disruptions experienced by some candidates during the initial exercise.
The rescheduling comes in response to a combination of technical malfunctions and human errors that impacted the smooth conduct of the original examination.
According to The Nation, JAMB began notifying affected candidates on Thursday via SMS, providing details of their new examination dates, times, and centers. The candidates impacted are primarily from Lagos, Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Abia states. In total, 379,997 candidates are expected to retake the exam.
The rescheduled UTME will be conducted over three days—Friday, Saturday, and Monday—as stated in messages sent by JAMB to the concerned candidates.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, addressed the media in Abuja earlier this week, where he acknowledged that both human and technological errors were responsible for the disruptions. He emphasized that the board had ruled out sabotage and assured the public that corrective measures have been implemented to ensure a seamless examination process moving forward.
Prof. Oloyede’s candid acknowledgment of the challenges has drawn widespread commendation from prominent Nigerians and institutions.
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, praised the JAMB Registrar for his transparency and accountability. In a statement issued Thursday, Obi described Oloyede’s admission and expression of regret as “a rare but commendable display of accountability” in Nigeria’s public sector. He urged the board to implement systemic reforms and stronger safeguards to prevent future occurrences.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) also applauded JAMB’s handling of the situation. In a statement released in Abuja, the agency commended the board for its transparency and swift action in addressing the issues that affected the conduct and results of the 2025 UTME.
Similarly, the JAMB Equal Opportunity Group (JEOG), through its Chairman, Emeritus Professor Peter Okebukola, expressed its full support for Prof. Oloyede. JEOG lauded his “candour, courage, and transparency” in addressing the concerns raised by the public and in providing clear explanations regarding the technical faults.
The University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) joined in commending Prof. Oloyede’s leadership. Vice Chancellor Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole (SAN) stated that the Registrar’s willingness to accept responsibility exemplifies the traits of a sincere and compassionate leader, especially given that the issues were not a direct result of personal negligence.
The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) also expressed sympathy for the affected candidates. COEASU President, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, remarked that the situation underscores both the limitations of technology and the importance of diligence in its deployment.
As the rescheduled UTME gets underway, JAMB has reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, transparency, and the continuous improvement of its examination processes.