Hensaw Paul
The release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results has sparked a nationwide uproar, forcing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to announce an immediate and comprehensive review of the entire exam process. What was meant to be a routine post-exam season has quickly turned into a full-blown crisis as thousands of candidates take to social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to vent frustration over poor scores, alleged system errors, and widespread irregularities.
Since the results went live, JAMB has been inundated with what it called an “unusual volume of complaints” from candidates across the country. Many have posted screenshots of their results online, questioning how their scores dropped drastically compared to their mock or past exam performances. Others have reported system malfunctions during the test, including disappearing questions, computers freezing mid-exam, and being logged out without being allowed to finish.
In response to this public outcry, JAMB issued a statement through its Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, confirming that a team of experts has been assembled to investigate the issue. This team includes members of the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria, chief external examiners (comprising heads of tertiary institutions), the Educational Assessment and Research Network in Africa, measurement experts, and vice-chancellors from across the nation.
The review, according to JAMB, will not be limited to the examination alone. It will cover all phases of the UTME — from registration to the conduct of the exam and the eventual release of results. The Board described this as a fast-tracked version of its annual post-mortem, which usually takes months but has now been brought forward due to the volume and seriousness of the complaints.
Also read: JAMB Releases 2025 UTME Results – Here’s Everything You Need to Know
The Board’s statement further explained that any technical disruptions that occurred during the exam period are normally followed by immediate rescheduling for affected candidates. However, the scale of issues reported this year suggests a systemic problem that may have affected more candidates than initially thought.
Education advocate Alex Onyia revealed on X that over 8,000 affected students have formally lodged complaints and are even considering a class-action lawsuit against JAMB. He also called for the Board to release candidates’ raw score breakdowns to allow for independent verification and transparency. According to Onyia, many candidates are now living in distress, with their academic futures hanging in the balance due to no fault of their own.
The controversy has also triggered a wave of hashtags on social media, such as #JAMB2025, #FixJAMB, and #UTMEReview, as students and parents demand justice. Some have asked for a total overhaul of the UTME system, while others call for a re-marking or a second chance for affected students.
JAMB, while defending its integrity, assured the public that if the review identifies any genuine technical flaws or scoring issues, appropriate corrective measures will be taken swiftly. The Board emphasized its commitment to ensuring that every candidate is treated fairly and that the credibility of the exam remains intact.
This year’s UTME saga has raised serious questions about the reliability of Nigeria’s entrance examination system. For many students, this exam is a gateway to higher education and better opportunities. When its credibility is called into question, it not only undermines trust in JAMB but also in the entire education system.
As investigations continue, all eyes are now on JAMB. Will this review restore confidence and correct any potential errors? Or will it expose deeper flaws that demand a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s most important academic assessment system?
Whatever the outcome, one thing is clear: the 2025 UTME has become a defining moment for JAMB — and for the future of thousands of Nigerian students.
