It felt like the system failed us.

While some of the candidates who wrote the 2025 University Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) have called for the total cancellation of the results, a past 1st Vice President of the Nigerain Bar Association (NBA) and rights advocate, John Aikpokpo-Martins, Esq., has criticised the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for withholding the results of candidates classified as underage, describing the action as a grave injustice, unconstitutional, malicious, and in contempt of court.

There had been outcries in different quarters over the poor performance in the results, wherein over 1.5 million candidates failed to score 200.  While many had cited technical glitches in some of the centres, others had blamed poor time management and students preparation.

The candidates who spoke to Daily Trust yesterday said, “The system failed us.”

Aham Ijendu Chimereze, who wrote at Unique Computer Institution in Owerri, said he would be glad to retake the examination if the errors would not be repeated again.

Another candidate, Uchenna Eme, said: “I was scheduled to write my exam by 6am and the JAMB had to extend it to 4pm and still changed my centre same day of the exam.

“I have not checked my result to know if I did well or not after the story of poor performance broke out, but I don’t mind retaking as well.”

Another candidate, who gave her name as Jennifer, said that during the examination, the electricity went off and the network failed.

Hassan Abdul, who took the exam in Lokoja, Kogi State, said it will be best if the entire results are cancelled, so that they all retake it.

The same views were shared by Mercy Obinna, from Anambra. She said no need to single out some centres. “The entire exercise should be cancelled and let all of us retake the exams”, she said.

But there are some students with a contrary opinion.

For instance, a candidate from Lagos, Shoneye Neemah Darasimi, said, “When I first saw my result, honestly, I was so proud and relieved. All the late night and sacrifices finally paid off.

Read Also: Breaking!!! JAMB admits responsibility, Registrar weeps, apologises for UTME errors

“Now hearing that some of the results were reversed, I am shocked, confused, and honestly heartbroken. It felt like the system failed us. How do you tell a child who had already started celebrating that his/her result might not be real?

“The reversal might affect my chances of gaining admission this year. In this country, timing matters. That result was our ticket to starting the process early. Now everything feels uncertain again like we’re starting from scratch.”

Falola Deborah Oluwatunmise, another candidate who sat for the UTME in Lagos said, “As you talked about this review now, my heart just skipped. Like you know, I wrote JAMB and I had technical glitches in my own, like 1 – 11 for me were just answers, no questions, it was only answers. I was just seeing only answers and my own exam questions stopped at 55 instead of 60.

“So, like, God forbid now I’m part of these people that they said we should retake this exam because we put in our best in the last one, and it’s just that people failed a lot.

“The exam went smoothly for me, I actually did my best and I’m okay with my result. But I’m kind of scared. What if they ask me to come back and write this exam again and God forbid, my score is not up to the one I got the last time? I’ll be so disappointed and I’ll really hate JAMB for it and myself too.

Read Also: Full Text: JAMB Registrar explains 2025 UTME result glitches, says ‘Man proposes, God disposes’

“I feel disappointed about the reversal of results and I just hope I’m not among those that will retake the exam.”

Errors caused emotional disturbance – Parents

A parent, Sydney Obi, said the errors in the result were a big issue as it caused a lot of emotional disturbance for candidates and their parents.

“But like the saying, no one is above mistake. I think JAMB should have done proper auditing before making official release after the first statistic they published generated a lot out outcry,” he said.

He advised the JAMB to test run any new technology before using it for the examination to avoid causing unnecessary headache for candidates.

Another parent, Funmilayo Lawrence said, “JAMB Registrar has done a good thing to have taken responsibility for the glitches in the UTME. If every office holder can do this, every sector will be better for it.

Read Also: JAMB 2025 UTME Errors: Chidoka, Sowore, Adeyanju, others react

“We can’t outright blame the registrar, the service provider who did this may have compromised and we know that anything can happen in this country.  The beauty of this is that those affected would be made to resit the exam, which for me is commendable.”

Another parent, Ogundipe Bosede Olaitan, said, “As a parent when I heard that the underage candidate results were not released, I was so sad because during the registration, we were not told that the result was not going to be released, what we were told was that if the students do not have or get up to 320, they are not going to give them admission. I am just appealing to the JAMB officials that they should please release the results of those underage candidates in order to know their performance.”

JAMB should get a new software – Don

Speaking to Daily Trust, a professor at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasiru Idris, said, “JAMB should ensure that the results come out immediately as that will go a long way in addressing some of the issues, but as far as you are giving one day, week or month it will be open to manipulation.

“So, I am of the opinion that JAMB should look for a software that will disclose result immediately after answering the last question.”

An educational expert, Oyarekhua Happiness said, “You can’t tell me JAMB will encourage failures. If they actually failed, it is understandable but giving them what they did not deserve makes it seem unjust, so the reversal is justified.

“Going forward, I think proper measures need to be put in place, they are definitely not new to this, they should channel more efforts and look for how to innovate and add more ideas in order to avoid such glitches. This is a national issue and they can’t keep going front and back on issues like this.

It’s a good step, hopefully the best will come out for it.”

Aikpokpo-Martins, in a blistering statement issued on Thursday, faulted the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for failing to address the plight of these affected candidates, even after publicly admitting to discrepancies in the recently released UTME results during a press briefing on May 14.

Although he commended Prof. Oloyede for his rare show of humility in admitting errors that led to massive confusion and trauma, culminating in the tragic suicide of 19-year-old Miss Opesusi Faith Timilehin in Lagos, Aikpokpo-Martins said that failing to release the results of underage candidates remains a grave injustice.

“I commend Prof. Oloyede for his honesty. But that admission is incomplete for as long as JAMB continues to disobey and disregard the subsisting judgment of the Delta State High Court,” Aikpokpo-Martins stated.

The onetime NBA 1st Vice President pointed out that on February 27, 2025, the Delta State High Court sitting in Warri declared JAMB’s age restriction policy null and void, ruling that no candidate should be denied admission on the basis of age. The court also issued a perpetual injunction restraining JAMB from enforcing such discriminatory policies.

“Surprisingly, JAMB, under the watch of Prof. Oloyede, has treated the said judgment with utter disdain and contempt,” he said, accusing the Board of breaching Section 287(3) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates authorities to obey court judgments.

Aikpokpo-Martins insists that JAMB’s continued withholding of results is a gross violation of the rights of young Nigerians whose only ‘crime’ was daring to dream early.

“JAMB seems to treat this sacred examination process as just another bureaucratic task. That is deeply unfortunate and unpardonable,” he lamented.

He asserted that the mental, emotional, and psychological trauma inflicted on these children and their families could have lasting consequences, and held JAMB legally and morally responsible for any further harm.

“The future of millions is shaped by this examination. JAMB must not treat the fate of these candidates as mere statistics,” he added.

Aikpokpo-Martins also called on the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA-NEC), presently meeting in the capital of Ilorin, Kwara State, to look into JAMB’s alleged contempt of court and disregard for the rule of law.

“No crocodile tears will exculpate JAMB under the watch of Prof. Oloyede,” he concluded. “I urge JAMB to immediately release the withheld results and comply fully with the court’s judgment.”

Most of this report was culled from Daily Trust.

A Nigerian doctor who got the opportunity to serve as an assistant surgeon took to X to celebrate after performing her task. 

But, what most Nigerians noticed was that she was stitching the patient in near darkness, with someone holding a phone with a torchlight for her. 
 

As Nigerians questioned why she was operating in darkness, she replied: “This is Nigeria! I don’t know why most of you are surprised!”

A fresh northern pressure group, Network of Concerned Citizens (NCC), has urgently called on well-meaning Nigerians, politicians, religious leaders, youths and all critical stakeholders to unite, promote inclusiveness and ensuring various ethnicities have a say in decision-making processes and ultimately work in defense of the country’s democracy without sentiments or any form of divisiveness

The Congress which is open to all Nigerians, but predominantly northern based, was made up of former State Assembly Speakers, former lawmakers at both Federal and State Assemblies, former Local Government Chairmen, leaders of civil society groups, academia, diplomats, trade union leaders, community leaders, opinion leaders, and youth organizations expressed deep concern over the socio-political situation in the country as Nigeria prepares for another election circle in 2027.

NCC made the clarion call in a statement made available to newsmen by its convener, a former General Secretary of Nigeria Union Of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, (NUPENG) and former National Chairman of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Comrade Adamu Song, the Wakili Asbiti Adamawa, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.

The Congress, according to the statement, noted it was willing and determined to work with any political party or political candidate who believed in its ideals. It stated further that there was a need for those in power to strengthen fundamental constitutional principles and values, while also alerting Nigerians to remain intellectually and legally forceful against any anti-democratic forces poised to undermine the constitutional foundations of the country’s unity, progress and its cherished democracy.

“The birth of Network Of Concerned Citizens is potently and patently crucial to take Nigeria out of her current precarious political and socio-economic situations. In the light of this there is an urgent need to reawaken political actors, national stakeholders, academia, civil society, the media, political parties, and democratic institutions nationally and anyone who can patriotically contribute to the survival of our fragile democracy. This is the appropriate time for us to unite, promote inclusiveness and ensure various ethnicities have a say in decision-making processes and work to defend Nigeria’s democracy without sentiments or divisiveness.

“NCC aims to further ensure that we have a country governed by love, where no one suffers discrimination or victimization, an atmosphere where everyone will be properly accommodated, irrespective of their tribe, religion or background. We want a country where every Nigerian can seamlessly project his or her own socio-economic potentials for the greater good of the country within the ambit of law and order.

“We also crave for even distribution of Nigeria’s resources and wealth, with the popular and valid belief that every Nigerian should have right to aspire for any elective positions of choice and Nigerians should be able to associate with themselves openly and freely with candidates of their choices without any form of harassment or violation of their fundamental rights as guaranteed by the law.

“This has become necessary to guide the citizenry as it is clear that Nigerians need a purposeful paradigm shift as we approach another election circle in 2027 which we are convinced by our calculations that it will never be allowed to be hijacked or manipulated. We remain committed to consistently embark on advocacy to educate and enlighten the people on how democracy and electoral outcomes affect them and their future. We remain unrepentant in dedicating our time and resources to reorient the citizens and work towards eradicating all forms of electoral malpractices.

“Let us also reiterate our resolve that as a cross-section of leaders and political stakeholders from across Nigeria, predominantly from the north, we have come together to show patriotism by sustaining the momentum of protecting and preserving our democratic institutions and values which are crucial for Nigeria’s stability, progress, and the well-being of her citizens.

“We are also desirous of a political structure that will prioritize youth-driven entrepreneurship, industrial growth, and technological advancement. A system that will essentially develop agriculture to achieve self-sufficiency in food production and promote it as a major source of raw materials and foreign exchange. We want a system that will overhaul our educational system to make Nigerian youth more innovative and globally competitive in their discipline and crafts. A system that will provide healthcare for all citizens, including free medical services in learning institutions, for the aged, physically challenged, pregnant women, and other vulnerable segments of our society.

“NCC is also determined to have a system that will look inwards and address infrastructure deficits. Supplying electricity to all areas of Nigeria and encouraging the use of alternative, environmentally sustainable energy sources. Building Nigeria’s brand for export and reducing dependence on foreign products, while also turning around Nigeria’s entire petroleum industry, especially by making the Petroleum Industry Act to be actively and efficiently implemented

“We equally desire a mass-friendly climate that will ensure our refineries are working optimally and Nigerians no longer go through hell in sourcing for domestic, commercial and industrial needs of petroleum products across the country. This Congress also hinges its priority on the importance of safeguarding human rights, security of lives and properties, upholding the rule of law, and maintaining the principles of federalism without bias, inequality, favouritism or nepotism, the statement concluded.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr Kolawole Olowookere, has petitioned the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF), Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, over an alleged bid to arraign a community leader, Chief Nwigwe Emeka Williams, before a Federal High Court in Abuja on alleged terrorism and kidnapping charges.

The senior lawyer in the petition asked the Justice Minister to wade into the plight of the community leader by probing the circumstances that led to the new move with a view to ensuring that justice prevails.

The grouse of the senior advocate is that the alleged kidnapping and killing of the traditional ruler of Amanze community in Imo State, Eze Basil Okafor on 17th December, 2022, had been thoroughly investigated by the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Force Headquarters, Abuja, and those indicted arrested, prosecuted and some of them jailed.

He told the AGF in the petition that the alleged conspiracy and kidnapping were investigated twice by the Special Task Force and that twice the community leader was not found culpable in any way.

The senior lawyer expressed surprise that two years after those indicted in the alleged crime had been put on trial, some lawyers in the Federal Ministry of Justice, allegedly acting on the script of external forces, suddenly woke up to rope the community leader into the charges.

He said that since the police concluded their investigation, there had been no new facts or fresh evidence to warrant the inclusion of Nwigwe Emeka Williams as a defendant in the alleged crime.

The police investigation report of 30th September, 2024 with reference No;mCB;4099/FID/STC/FHQ/ABJ/T.4/Vol.4/94, which listed the suspects arrested, indicted and put on trial at the Federal High Court in Abuja in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/575/2023, was attached to the petition.

In the police report, the community leader was found to have contributed N1 million out of the N4 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers and that the contribution was made through the account of one Charles Njoku, the younger brother of the late traditional ruler.

The senior lawyer asserted that instead of using the community leader as a witness in the trial, those involved opted to include his name as a defendant to settle scores.

Accusing those involved of abuse of prosecutorial powers, the senior lawyer pleaded with the AGF to probe the circumstances that led to the inclusion of the name of the community leader as a co-defendant.

He requested that the probe be promptly conducted before the community leader would be arraigned on May 22 in Abuja.

The petition was received and acknowledged by the Attorney General on April 10th, 2025.

Nigeria’s Chief Justice Kudirat Motomori Kekere-Ekun, has intimated that the country’s judiciary is on the pathway towards an admirable judiciary.

Her Lordship also disclosed that the challenges, ranging from delays in justice delivery, dwindling public confidence and resource constraints confronting the judiciary under her watch are surmountable.

The CJN spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a Special Court session in honour of the late Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Emmanuel Obioma Ogwuegbu, who died on October 28, 2024, at the age of 91.

Addressing the court teeming with serving and retired justices, lawyers, friends and family members of the deceased, Chief Justice Kekere-Ekun said: “We are currently working very hard to make a change.”

Adding that the late Justice Ogwuegbu’s life offers a blueprint for renewal, integrity, service, learning and courage, she remarked that Ogwuegbu’s life enriched Nigerian law with experience, compassion and wisdom and further stated that, his contributions will continue to illuminate the courts and his legacy remains embedded in the moral and legal consciousness of the nation.

“Throughout his illustrious judicial career, he brought to bear a rare combination of erudition, clarity and compassion. He was a jurist who wrote with precision, reasoned with rigour and adjudicated with fairness.

“As a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, His Lordship contributed significantly to the shaping of our modern legal landscape.

“His Lordship’s deep insight and fearless reasoning were particularly evident in cases that advanced constitutional governance, individual liberties and the devolution of powers “, the CJN stated.

According to Kekere-Ekun, Justice Ogwuegbu was not just a judge; he was a torchbearer of justice whose career spanned more than four decades of unwavering dedication to the bench.

“His Lordship’s life’s work was defined by a fierce loyalty to the Constitution, an abiding respect for the rule of law, and an unshakeable belief in the power of justice to uphold society’s most sacred values.

“Throughout his illustrious judicial career, he brought to bear a rare combination of erudition, clarity, and compassion. He was a jurist who wrote with precision, reasoned with rigour, and adjudicated with fairness.

“His judgments did not merely resolve disputes—they elevated our jurisprudence, speaking to the conscience of a nation and strengthening the pillars upon which our democracy rests”, the CJN said.

“He was a Judge of great dignity, humility, and empathy—qualities that humanised the law and brought, comfort to those who sought justice.

“He listened intently, decided fairly, and treated all who came before him with respect and decency.

In his tribute, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, charged Judicial officers to live up to expectations.

The AGF stressed the need for Judges to administer justice without fear or favour and paid glowing tribute to the late Justice of the Supreme Court.

In a message, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, said, a true measure of a judge is not in the length of tenure or the number of cases adjudicated, but in the depth of impact and integrity of decisions.

By this measure, the NBA President said Justice Ogwuegbu was a judicial titan, “He rendered our laws clearer, our institutions stronger, and our democracy more stable.

“In an age where judicial courage is often tempered by politics or public pressure, His Lordship exemplified a rare independence of thought, tempered only by the boundaries of justice and the letter of the law”, the NBA boss stated.

As the Nigerian Bar Association’s National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting gets underway in Ilorin, delegates are being welcomed today with an unforgettable cultural experience, hosted by Friends of Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN.

The welcome event, holding this afternoon at 2:00pm at the Bar Centre, High Court Premises, Ilorin, is a vibrant celebration of Ilorin’s royal heritage, rich cuisine, and warm hospitality.

In true Ilorin fashion, guests are being treated to an indulgent spread of traditional delicacies: piping hot pounded yam with bush meat, Iya Ila’s signature dish, the iconic Amala Sky served with ewedu, gbegiri, and assorted meats, and the much-loved Tuwo Ilorin, among others. The festive ambience is further elevated by the enchanting sounds of Royal Benbe Ilorin, providing rhythmic entertainment rooted in the city’s cultural pride.

Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN — Life Bencher and proud son of Osun State— extends a warm welcome to all NEC delegates, noting that Ilorin, as a royal and culturally rich city, is honoured to host the nation’s legal leadership.

“As our learned colleagues arrive in this historic city, we are prepared to receive them in the very best of Ilorin tradition — with food, music, and heartfelt hospitality,” he said.

Today’s reception is not only a cultural showcase but also a symbol of unity and respect for the Bar’s highest decision-making body. It marks a graceful start to what is expected to be a productive and impactful NEC meeting.

Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1991, Akinboro has built a remarkable career grounded in advocacy, public service, and institutional development. His elevation to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2015 and his subsequent confirmation as a Life Bencher in 2018 affirm his longstanding contributions to the legal profession in Nigeria.

Service and Leadership in the Nigerian Bar Association

Akinboro’s leadership within the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) reflects his enduring commitment to legal development and institutional reform. A consummate bar man, he served as the General Secretary of the NBA, where he played a crucial role in administrative restructuring and fostering unity within the Bar. As Past Chairman of the NBA Abuja Branch, he was instrumental in enhancing the profile and effectiveness of the branch, promoting both legal excellence and welfare among practitioners.

Beyond these roles, Akinboro remains actively involved in the NBA at the national level, offering strategic counsel on policies that impact justice delivery and legal practice in Nigeria.

Legal Practice and Arbitration Excellence

Akinboro’s legal expertise spans litigation and advocacy, arbitration and mediation, receivership, and company liquidation. A Harvard University-trained Negotiator and Arbitrator, he is widely respected for his depth in dispute resolution, providing balanced, principled, and innovative legal solutions across commercial and public-interest matters. His early legal career included significant roles in notable legal establishments, including Femi Lanlehin & Co., Adetokunbo Kayode, SAN & Co., and the Plateau State Ministry of Justice.

Recognition and Institutional Involvement

Aare Akinboro’s contributions go beyond courtroom advocacy. He has served on numerous high-level public and professional bodies, including:

• Member, Body of Benchers, Nigeria – the apex regulatory and disciplinary body of the legal profession.
• Member, General Council of the Bar – where he helped shape national policies affecting the legal sector.
• Former Member, Federal Judicial Service Commission – instrumental in judicial appointments and reforms.
• Former Member, Governing Council, University of Benin – advancing legal education and academic governance.
• Former Member, FCT Judicial Council Committee and FCT Land Use and Allocation Committee – playing vital roles in land administration and judicial policy in Nigeria’s capital territory.

He also sits on the board of several companies, providing legal insight and corporate governance expertise, further cementing his role as a trusted advisor in both legal and business spheres.

Also Read: Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, Felicitates with Newly Inaugurated NBA Damaturu Branch Executives

Cultural Leadership and Community Legacy

In recognition of his professional integrity and societal contributions, Olumuyiwa Akinboro has been honored with the chieftaincy title of Aare, a title symbolizing leadership, responsibility, and service. His legal journey is not only a narrative of personal achievement but also a blueprint for mentorship, institutional development, and justice advocacy.

Aare Olumuyiwa Akinboro, SAN, embodies the best ideals of the Nigerian Bar—service, scholarship, and leadership. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of lawyers and reformists within and beyond Nigeria’s borders. In every courtroom, boardroom, and legal institution he has served, his influence remains indelible.

Concerned Nigerians have started sharing their thoughts following the admission of error by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

JAMB on Wednesday said that system errors were responsible for the mass failure experienced during the recently held Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

JAMB registrar, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, said candidates from the South East and Lagos were affected. Oloyede apologised for the errors, adding that the candidates would be contacted to retake the examination.

In a statement, the former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, lauded the board for upholding institutional integrity.

“I commend JAMB for its consistent commitment to upholding institutional integrity. Unlike many other public agencies, JAMB did not resort to the all-too-familiar refrain of ‘Go to court,’” he wrote.

“Instead, it acknowledged its shortcomings, invited critical stakeholders for dialogue, and subjected its internal processes to external review.”

Chidoka extended solidarity and best wishes to the affected candidates ahead of the retest.

Former presidential candidate and publisher of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, in a post on X, called for the abolishment of JAMB.

“Time to scrap these extracurricular bureaucratic busybodies …JAMB, NYSC, TETFUND, NELFUND, they are all useless!” he wrote.

Lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, reacted to Prof Oloyede’s tears at the press conference organised by the examination board. He humorously said the chairman of Nigeria’s electoral umpire, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, would weep as well in 2027.

“Na so INEC chair go burst into tears in 2027,” he wrote in Pidgin English.

Medical doctor and social media influencer Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, was critical of a post on X by JAMB announcing the technical glitch which led to the mass failure.

“When you’re asked to describe the anyhowness, show them this tweet from a national agency,” he wrote.

We are thrilled to announce that Professor Chidi Anslem Odinkalu, renowned human rights icon, legal luminary, and resolute advocate for justice—will deliver the Keynote Address at the 4th C.O. Anah SAN Memorial Colloquium!

Why You Can’t Afford to Miss Him:
🔹 A Titan of Human Rights: Former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Odinkalu has spent decades combatting impunity, police brutality, and state-sponsored violence. His courageous leadership redefines accountability in Nigeria.

🔹 Regional & Global Influence: From cofounding the African Commission’s Committee on Prevention of Torture to his work with the Open Society Justice Initiative, Chairing The Justice and Peace Commission of Anambra State and now teaching at the Tufts University USA whilst also serving as the Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro Chancellor Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State, Odinkalu has shaped human rights law across the world, challenging oppressive systems and advocating for the marginalized as a scholar, advocate and activist.

🔹 Decolonization & The Law: A celebrated intellectual, Odinkalu doesn’t just critique the system, he dismantles its colonial foundations. Expect a historical deep dive into how colonial legacies distort justice in Nigeria today. He promises fresh, unflinching perspectives on reclaiming our legal and political sovereignty.

🔹 Stimulating & Insightful Analysis: Odinkalu doesn’t just speak, he ignites conversations. Whether on judicial reform, security sector abuses, or Pan-African justice, his words demand action and elicit reforms.

What to Expect:
An insightful critique of Nigeria’s justice systems.
Solutions that strengthen the administration of Justice system.
An unmissable session for lawyers and anyone committed to justice and national development.

📅 Save the Date: 29th May, 2025. | 📍 Venue: The Auditorium, Nigerian Bar Association House, Central Business District, Abuja. | 🎤 Keynote: Prof. Anslem Chidi Odinkalu

This is NOT just another talk. It’s a call to reimagine justice.

🔥 Will you be there? 🔥

CO2025 #HumanRights #TALP #ASCJ

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, on Wednesday addressed widespread complaints over the 2025 UTME results, admitting that technical errors had affected some candidates’ scores.

Below is the full text of his press conference:

MAN PROPOSES, GOD DISPOSES

Press Conference Address on the Complaints about the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) Results by the Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, CON, FNAL, at the Boardroom of JAMB National Headquarters, Bwari, Abuja, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025.
 
1.0 First of All

Gentlemen of the press, it is with deep feelings and a high sense of responsibility that I address you today on the subject of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, which has generated some traction in public discourse and social space. I want to begin by appreciating you for gathering here today, especially to the press, whose extensive coverage has highlighted the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, formally announced on Friday, 9th May 2025. Similarly, we appreciate all those who have lent their voices to the strident complaints on the results we released because you all did so out of concern. I appreciate our critics immensely because they could have chosen to be indifferent. I agree with the person who said that the opposite of love isn’t hate, it is indifference; the opposite of art is not ugliness, it is indifference; the opposite of faith is not heresy, it is indifference; and the opposite of life is not death, it is indifference. By not being indifferent to JAMB, we are grateful.

Today marks a moment we shall not soon forget – a day that should have been filled with celebration for what was, until recently, regarded as our most successful UTME exercise. Regrettably, this joy has been overshadowed by an easily avoidable error by one or two persons.

Without equivocation, there has been a lot of hoopla since the results of 2025 UTME were released last Friday, 9th May 2025. Despite the fact that JAMB is a responsive organisation, the unusual level of public concerns and loud complaints has prompted us to do an immediate audit or review of what happened, which we ordinarily would have done in June. I want to make it clear that our review and investigation reveal that there are grounds for the complaints about our 2025 UTME results and this press conference is convened with a view to unveiling the bitter truth of our findings openly and objectively.

We are all human afterall but before any other thing, it is imperative that I shed light on the extent that JAMB goes to ensure quality in its processes and activities.

2.0 JAMB and Quality Assurance

Gentlemen of the press, quality assurance is cardinal to the operations of JAMB. I can assure you that we scale all heights, fathom all depths and traverse all horizons to ascertain that quality assurance mechanisms permeate all our operations from the take off point to the finish line. We burn the midnight oil and we set our standards high. This is why we have guidelines, checklists and protocol guiding our activities right from the time of registration to the points of monitoring and supervision to the processing of results.

As we know we cannot clap with our sole hand as a single entity, we have several committees in place that are part of our quality assurance system. There are Peace Monitors, of 41 women of substance who are or have been Principal Officers of Nigerian universities; we have Chief External Examiners (CEEs), who are Vice-Chancellors, Rectors and Provosts of universities, polytechnics and Colleges of Education. Each state also has Chief Technical Adviser, a reputable professor who is an expert in computing and cybersecurity. We have Peace Monitors, Civil Society Group, Equal Opportunity Group, the General Monitors Group, High-powered Opinion Leaders, the Roving Group, Technical Advisors Group and the Virtues Vanguards. All of these groups play critical roles and complement our staff in ensuring quality and troubleshooting challenges.

Furthermore, we also have an in-house consultant and expert in software development and cybersecurity. Besides, we have introduced mock examinations since 2017 as primarily a quality assurance measure to test our systems and intervene where necessary prior to the time of our examinations, knowing the nature of technology. Our Technical Officers annually take tests before the successful ones are deployed to the field so that at no point would incompetence set in. All our examination officials are profiled with their NINs to ensure efficiency and accountability. We also have a robust team of in-house electronic testing experts led by a renowned professor of Software Engineering.

We deploy our systems to the use of high-profile organisations within and outside Nigeria as part of the broader strategy of ensuring that everything works well when we need it to work. As part of our preparations for this year, we upgraded our system from form-based to the single item-based examination, the latter of which is the international standard now. We simulated this system, streamlined our Autobot and Autotest systems and still went ahead to develop our own JAMBTEST, a software innovated in-house by a small team led by own staff, Dubem. We improved on the examination system, simulated everything end-to-end before the examinations and we thought everything was perfect. All the layers, including using dummies, were deployed this year but despite that, an error happened. It is a classical manifestation of the axiom that man proposes but God disposes.

3.0 Between KAD and LAG

Let me disclose part of how we operate in JAMB for the first time in public. Conscious of the fault-lines of Nigeria, we use two operational ‘vehicles’ to traverse Nigeria under the code names of KAD and LAG. The KAD vehicle contains the Northern states excluding Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Niger, Kogi and FCT but it includes the six South South states. The LAG vehicle, on the other hand, consists of Southern states excluding the 6SouthSouth states but it includes Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Niger, Kogi and FCT. These ‘vehicles’ are deployed to serve Nigerians as a whole, the South being part of the North and the North being part of the South. So, there is no distinct North or South.

After the mock examinations this year, we reviewed our LAG (which includes South West and South East states as earlier indicated) and KAD examination engines. We realised that in the LAG category, options to the items of our examinations were not shuffled. We insisted that the shuffling must be effected. After this was done, we tested the update as usual and we were satisfied. We thereafter still did what we call dummy, a simulation, a day before the examinations and everything seemed to be okay. In other words, we believed we were ready to deploy the items after some layers of testing the processes.

However, on the second day of the examinations this year, which was Friday April 25, 2025, we discovered that there was some omission in the items within the LAG category. An update for correction and grading adjustment was instantly made and it was tested on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. The update was applied after 12 a.m. on Tuesday morning and it was successful. That was why all the examinations from Tuesday till the end of UTME had no problem. To correct and re-upload the responses(i.e. results) from LAG for the pre-Tuesday glitch, the service providers concerned with LAG were deployed to effect the patch but there were patch errors in some center’s (servers) for the first three or four days in only two locations. In simple terms, while 65 centers (206,610 candidates) were affected in Lagos zone (comprising only Lagos state), 92 centers (173,387 candidates) were affected in Owerri zone, which includes the South East states. In clear terms, in the process of rectifying the issue, the technical personnel deployed by the Service Provider for LAG (Lagos and South-East zones) inadvertently failed to update some of the delivery servers. Regrettably, this oversight went undetected prior to the release of the results.

Recall that last year, we overhauled our reporting system, which made obvious what has not caught much public attention and thus sparked significant backlash from the Nigerian public. In response to widespread concerns about what many referred to as a “failure rate,” we made adjustments this year. Only professional educators who know the difference between achievement test and selection test (which UTME ranking test is) were not concerned, we felt with adjustment made during the preparation, better performance of statistics will emerge. We were therefore not surprised when the best score in 2025 (374) was the best highest in the last one and half decades as shown below.

List of Best UTME Candidates for the Past Twelve (12)Year

S/N YEAR REGISTRATION NUMBER NAME SCORE
1.2024
-202440343695GA Olowu Joseph Oluwasijibomi -367
-202440097040EF Alayande David – 367
-202440089418GA Orukpe Joel Ehijele – 367
2.2023202330325356GA Umeh Kamsiyochukwu Nkechinyere – 360
3.2022202211075576JA Adebayo Eyimofe Oluwatofunmi – 362
4.202110054281ID Monwuba Chibuzo Chibuikem – 358
5.202021398306DF Maduafokwa Egoagwuagwu Agnes – 365
6.201996630270JC Ezeunala Ekene Franklin – 347
7.201886034528DA Galadima Israel Zakari – 364
8.201775902784CB Akingbulugbe Precious Ayomide – 353
9.201665290500BI Akenbor Adesuwa Osarugue – 359
10.201665740193BF Anonye Victory Emenike – 359
11.201555395199EB Ilukwe Lottachukwu Geraldine – 332
12.201447049891HB Onomejoh Princewill – 299
13.201337207292AB Olise Israel Chukwunalu – 299

Between Friday and Monday, the uproar could be said to have reached the highest decibel and it was coming from some respected voices in the society. Though JAMB usually responds to every complaint based on its merit, the nature of the clam our this time made us to fast-track the review process, a post-mortem analysis of the results that we would have done next month. that of last year; yet everything fell within the range of the existing pattern.

COMPARISON OF UTME RESULTS SINCE INCEPTION (2013)

Between Friday and Monday, the uproar could be said to have reached the highest decibel and it was coming from some respected voices in the society. Though JAMB usually responds to every complaint based on its merit, the nature of the clamourthis time made us to fast-track the review process, a post-mortem analysis of the results that we would have done next month.

4.0 A Meeting of Minds

On the morning of Monday, May 12 2025, we issued a tentative press statement which includes “… If it is determined that there were indeed glitches, we will implement appropriate remedial measures promptly, as we do in the case of the examinations themselves.” Apart from officials of JAMB and other Government agencies, such as, Nigeria Education and Research Development Council (NERDC), we also summoned some experts and professionals who graciously responded to us, including a renowned professor of psychometrics and esteemed expert in Test and Measurement, who is from Imo state, Prof. Boniface Nworgu; a technical advisor and expert from the Computer Professionals Council of Nigeria (CPN), Prof. Adenike Osofisan;a CPN Representative, Mr Bayo Onimode; the President of the Nigerian Academy of Education, Prof. KabiruIsyaku; the National Parent-Teacher Association of Nigeria, the National Association of Nigerian Students, among others. We immensely appreciate them for heeding our distress call.

Within 24 hours of rigorous work, we were able to isolate where the problem emanated from. It happened in 65 centres in Lagos and 92 centres in Owerri zone. In these centres, the patch was not properly applied in some centre servers by the service provider and that failure disrupted the upload of the candidates’ responses within the first three or four days, as applicable to Lagos and Owerri zones. The 2025 UTME that could have been our finest yet, were it not for the carelessness, negligence, and lack of concern exhibited by the agents entrusted with this crucial yet straightforward function. Immediately we realised this, we summoned the Chief External Examiners of Lagos, Imo, Anambra, Oyo, Abia and Ebonyi, the six states affected. Fortunately, they all swiftly responded to join the group. We also invited Prof. Bashir Galadanchi, a leading expert in Computer Science; the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPSS), which was represented by a leadingvoice in public advocacy, Dr. (Mrs) BukolaDosumu. A number of our vocal critics were also invited to the interaction such that we could jointly and sincerely examine the situation.

Despite being able to identify the source of the problem and the affected centres, we are conscious of the painful damage it has inflicted on the reputation of JAMB. As Registrar of JAMB, I hold myself personally responsible, including for the negligence of the service provider, and I unreservedly apologise for it and the trauma that it has subjected affected Nigerians to, directly and indirectly. Once again, we apologise and assure you that this incident represents a significant setback for the Board’s reputation. We remain committed to emerging stronger in our core values of transparency, fairness, and equity. It is our culture to admit error because we know that in spite of the best of our efforts, we are human, we are not perfect. The only consolation we have in this case is that it is just one of the two service providers that did not do well by uploading improperly but it was not a case of glitches nor sabotage.

By Tuesday morning, with the CEEs, the experts and Mr Osita Chidoka (a former Minister of Aviation) of Athena Centre, we selected samples of responses and reviewed. We compared the results and we are finding interesting correlations except in the 157 centers where distortions had occurred.

We unanimously agreed that each state of the Federation be sampled. No sign of any abnormality so far has been detected in any centre outside the ones mentioned and the laborious exercise is ongoing.

5.0 No Problem without a Solution

We have decided that all the candidates affected in the 157 centres out of 882 centres will be contacted to retake their examinations starting from Friday, May 16, 2025.These candidates are to be contacted through text messages addressed to their registered phone numbers, their email addresses, their profiles and phone calls by JAMB. They are directed to reprint their Examination Slips for the rescheduled examination dates.

While not oblivious of the fact that WAEC examinations are ongoing, we have contacted WAEC and in an unprecedented show of solidarity, the Council has graciously decided to as much as possible accommodate us within the WAEC time-slot. Any candidate with a clash of timetable, particularly for Agricultural Science on Friday, would be rescheduled. However, we have endeavored to ensure that no such exist. Most, if not all, such candidates are scheduled for Saturday. Fortunately, the prescribed texts for SSCE are also the prescribed texts for UTME apart from the reading text of the UTME, which carries just 10 marks in our Use of English test.

6.0 Appeal, Appreciation and Apology

I understand that there are three powerful expressions which contain one word, two words and three words respectively. They are please, thank you and I am sorry. So, I appeal to the candidates and those affected by the error of our system to accept this explanation as the truth of the matter without embellishment, PLEASE. I apologise and take full responsibility not just in words.

Then, I want to say a big THANK YOU to the Honourable Minister of Education for his unwavering belief in JAMB and what the Board stands for. I also appreciate all officers and officials who believe in us for their goodwill in the face of this challenge. We have vowed to uphold integrity as the abiding philosophy of JAMB and we won’t waver or depart from it despite the fact that we are not infallible. I am equally grateful to all stakeholders who have lent us their support and expertise in arriving at a logical conclusion that we have arrived at. And for the inconveniencies, once again, on behalf of JAMB, I say, I AM SORRY to all Nigerians.

Thank you