JAMB Admits Technical Error in 2025 UTME, Orders Resit for 387,000 Candidates

Abuja, Nigeria – May 14, 2025 – The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigeria’s tertiary education entrance examination body, has announced a significant error in the conduct of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The error, described as a technical glitch, affected the results of 387,000 candidates across 157 of the 887 test centers nationwide. As a remedial measure, JAMB has ordered a resit of the examination for the affected candidates, scheduled to commence on May 16, 2025.

The announcement was made by JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, during a press conference held at the board’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Professor Oloyede explained that the technical issue compromised the integrity of the results for candidates who wrote the examination at the affected centers. “Following a meticulous review of the 2025 UTME process, we identified a technical error in 157 test centers that impacted the results of 387,000 candidates out of the 1,955,069 who sat for the examination,” he stated. “To ensure fairness and uphold the credibility of the UTME, we have directed that all affected candidates retake the examination.”

The resit is set to begin on May 16, 2025, and will be conducted at designated centers across the country. JAMB has assured candidates that they will be notified promptly through their registered profiles, email addresses, and phone numbers to reprint their examination slips. These slips will contain details of the resit schedule, including the date, time, and venue for each candidate. Professor Oloyede emphasized that the board has put measures in place to ensure a seamless and error-free resit, including enhanced technical oversight and stricter supervision at the test centers.

The decision to order a resit follows widespread dissatisfaction with the 2025 UTME results, which were released earlier in the year. Over 78% of candidates—approximately 1.5 million—scored below 200 out of a possible 400 marks, sparking outrage among candidates, parents, and education stakeholders. Many described the results as “unacceptable” and questioned the validity of the examination process. Social media platforms, including X, were flooded with complaints, with candidates sharing screenshots of unexpectedly low scores and calling for a review.

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), particularly its University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) chapter, escalated the matter by threatening legal action against JAMB. ASUU-UNN accused the board of irregularities in the conduct and scoring of the examination, alleging that the low scores could jeopardize the academic futures of millions of candidates. Other groups, including parents’ associations and education advocacy organizations, also demanded transparency and accountability from JAMB.

In response to the public outcry, JAMB constituted a panel to investigate the complaints. The investigation revealed the technical glitch in the affected test centers, which Professor Oloyede described as an “unfortunate but rectifiable error.” He apologized to the affected candidates and their families, assuring them that the resit would provide an opportunity to demonstrate their true abilities. “We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to candidates and stakeholders. Our priority is to ensure that every candidate is given a fair chance to compete for admission,” he said.

The 2025 UTME, conducted in April 2025, saw a record 1,955,069 candidates vying for admission into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The examination, which tests candidates in four subjects relevant to their intended courses of study, is a critical determinant of admission eligibility. Scores below 200 are generally considered low, as most competitive institutions set cut-off marks at or above this threshold.

Education analysts have described JAMB’s decision to order a resit as unprecedented but necessary. Dr. Amina Yusuf, an education consultant based in Lagos, commended JAMB for its transparency in admitting the error. “It takes courage to acknowledge such a large-scale mistake and take corrective action. The resit is a step in the right direction, but JAMB must ensure that the process is flawless to restore public confidence,” she said.

However, some candidates expressed concerns about the short notice for the resit and the additional stress of preparing for another examination. “I was devastated when I saw my score of 158, but now I have to rewrite in just two days. It’s overwhelming,” said Chidinma Okeke, a candidate from Enugu. Others, however, welcomed the opportunity to improve their scores. “I knew something was wrong with my result. I’m grateful for the chance to retake the exam,” said Abdulrahman Sani, a candidate from Kano.

JAMB has urged candidates to remain calm and check their profiles regularly for updates on the resit. The board has also called on parents and stakeholders to support the affected candidates during this period. “We are committed to ensuring that the resit is conducted with the highest standards of integrity and efficiency,” Professor Oloyede reiterated.

The incident has reignited discussions about the reliability of computer-based testing in Nigeria, with some stakeholders advocating for a hybrid system that combines manual and digital processes. Others have called for increased investment in JAMB’s technical infrastructure to prevent future occurrences.

As the resit approaches, all eyes are on JAMB to deliver a hitch-free examination that restores trust in the UTME process. The outcome of the resit will play a crucial role in shaping the academic futures of the 387,000 affected candidates and reinforcing JAMB’s credibility as Nigeria’s foremost examination body.

For Further Information: Candidates are advised to visit JAMB’s official website (www.jamb.gov.ng) or contact the board’s helpdesk for updates on the resit. Stakeholders can also follow JAMB’s official channels on X and other platforms for real-time information.