Parents Storm JAMB Office Over Low UTME Scores, Demand Reconduct of 2025 Examination

Hundreds of aggrieved parents and guardians descended on the headquarters of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Nigeria, protesting the low scores their children received in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The demonstrators, visibly frustrated, demanded that JAMB either re-evaluate the answer scripts or reconduct the examination entirely, citing widespread discrepancies between the results and their children’s academic capabilities. The protests, which have gained significant traction on social media platforms like X, reflect growing discontent with JAMB’s administration and the broader challenges facing Nigeria’s education system.

A Wave of Discontent

The 2025 UTME, conducted in April, saw over 1.9 million candidates vying for limited university admission slots across Nigeria. However, the release of the results sparked outrage, with JAMB reporting that only 420,415 candidates scored above 200 out of a possible 400 marks. Over 1.5 million candidates reportedly scored below this threshold, a statistic that has fueled parental anger. Many parents argue that the low scores jeopardize their children’s chances of securing admission into tertiary institutions, where a minimum score of 200 is often required for competitive programs.

Social media posts on X captured the depth of the frustration. One parent wrote, “My child, a known high-flyer, scored 140 in this JAMB. This is unfathomable! JAMB must do right by these children and reconduct this exam.” Another user echoed the sentiment, stating, “JAMB has failed our children. How can so many brilliant students score below 200? We demand transparency—show us the answer sheets!” The hashtag #ReconductJAMB2025 began trending, amplifying calls for accountability.

Allegations of Irregularities

Parents at the JAMB office in Lagos and other regional offices accused the board of potential irregularities in the scoring process. Some pointed to the 2025 UTME mock examination, which was plagued by logistical issues such as malfunctioning computers and inadequate testing centers, as a precursor to deeper systemic problems. “If the mock was a mess, how can we trust the main exam?” questioned Mrs. Aisha Mohammed, a parent whose daughter scored 165 despite excelling in mock tests organized by her school.

Others suggested that technical glitches in JAMB’s computer-based testing system may have led to inaccurate scoring. “My son said the system lagged during his exam, and some questions didn’t load properly. How is that his fault?” said Mr. Chukwudi Okeke, a protester from Abuja. Parents have also demanded that JAMB release candidates’ answer scripts and question papers for independent verification, with some threatening legal action to compel transparency.

JAMB’s Response and Context

As of May 13, 2025, JAMB has not issued an official statement addressing the demand for a reconduct or re-evaluation. However, the board previously disclosed that it withheld 39,834 results due to examination malpractices, including the use of unauthorized devices and impersonation. JAMB’s registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, also confirmed the arrest of 80 suspects involved in such infractions. While these measures demonstrate JAMB’s efforts to maintain integrity, they have done little to appease parents who believe the low scores reflect systemic failures rather than individual shortcomings.

Prof. Oloyede, speaking at a press conference prior to the protests, attributed the poor performance to broader issues in Nigeria’s education system. He cited inadequate preparation, lack of computer literacy among candidates, and insufficient parental oversight as contributing factors. “The results are a wake-up call for stakeholders. We must address the root causes of underperformance,” he stated. However, these explanations have been met with skepticism by protesters, who argue that JAMB’s testing processes are outdated and overly punitive.

Calls for Reform

The protests have reignited debates about JAMB’s role in Nigeria’s tertiary admission process. Some parents and educationists have called for the board to be scrapped entirely, proposing that universities conduct their own entrance examinations. “JAMB is a relic of the past. Why should one exam determine a child’s future?” asked Dr. Funmi Adebayo, an education consultant present at the Lagos protest. Others have suggested adopting a hybrid model, where JAMB scores are combined with school-based assessments to provide a fairer evaluation of candidates’ abilities.

The controversy also highlights Nigeria’s fiercely competitive admission landscape. With over 1.9 million candidates competing for approximately 600,000 university slots annually, the stakes are high. Low UTME scores can lock students out of preferred programs or force them to delay their education, exacerbating frustrations among parents and candidates alike.

What Lies Ahead?

As the protests continue, all eyes are on JAMB’s next move. The board has faced similar criticisms in the past but has rarely conceded to demands for a full reconduct of the UTME. In 2016, JAMB canceled results at certain centers due to widespread malpractice but stopped short of a nationwide re-examination. Whether the board will take similar action in 2025 remains uncertain.

For now, parents are urging affected candidates to join the protests and are exploring legal avenues to challenge the results. “We will not rest until justice is served,” said Mrs. Mohammed, who plans to mobilize other parents for a class-action lawsuit if JAMB fails to respond.

Candidates and parents seeking updates can visit JAMB’s official portal at www.jamb.gov.ng or follow reputable news outlets such as www.today.ng for real-time developments. As the situation unfolds, the 2025 UTME controversy underscores the urgent need for reforms to ensure fairness and transparency in Nigeria’s education system.