JAMB admits error in UTME Results 2025: The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially acknowledged errors in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, following days of criticism, protests, and widespread concerns from candidates and parents. This confirmation marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s education sector, as it highlights potential flaws in the examination system that millions of students rely on for university admission each year.
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Background that led to the discovery of the Error in UTME Results
After the release of the 2025 UTME results, thousands of candidates across the country reported discrepancies in their scores. Many claimed to have received results that were far below their expectations, while others complained about missing subjects or unprocessed scores. Several candidates with strong academic records said they were shocked to see scores that did not reflect their performance or preparation. Social media platforms became flooded with screenshots, testimonies, and appeals for JAMB to look into the matter.
Recall that we had informed you of JAMB’s intention to review the results due to the widespread complaints by both candidates and parents against the outcome of the exam. The outcome has also caused anxiety, including the death of some of the candidates who could not bear the pain of seeing low scores after all the nights of reading and preparing for the exam.
Initially, JAMB dismissed most of these complaints, stating that the UTME was conducted under strict conditions and that technical safeguards were in place. However, as the number of complaints grew and pressure from stakeholders, including school administrators, parents, and education analysts, increased, JAMB began a quiet internal review of the issue.
Official Admission of Error
The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, announced that about 379,997 candidates in the just concluded 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) would retake the examination. He made this known during a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday.
“It was a combination of human error and technology. We are sincerely sorry,” he said.
According to him, while 206,610 candidates in Lagos are to retake the exam, 173,387 candidates are to rewrite it in the Southeast states of Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Anambra.
This followed widespread complaints of technical glitches, unusually low scores, and alleged irregularities in the just-concluded UTME.
Prof. Oloyede, who wept profusely, intermittently wiping his face with a handkerchief, said he took full responsibility for the negligence of his staff, revealing that 65 centers in Lagos and 92 centers in the Owerri Zone covering the five states in the Southeast would rewrite the exam.
Students from the affected states are to follow the subsequent guide that the board will provide.
What This Means for Candidates
For candidates whose results were affected, the admission process may still be within reach. JAMB has promised to resolve the issue before universities begin their Post-UTME screenings.
Affected students are encouraged to:
- Prepare to reprint their exam slip to retake the exam.
- Recheck their emails and messages to know when they are notified by JAMB for their exam
- Monitor JAMB’s official announcements for other necessary updates.
- Prepare for post-UTME exams in anticipation of a good score after the resit.
Implications of Error in UTME Results for JAMB and the Education Sector
This incident raises questions about the reliability of Nigeria’s computer-based examination system and the technological infrastructure behind it. While JAMB has made significant improvements in exam administration over the years, such as reducing exam malpractice and digitizing the registration and examination process, this error shows that further upgrades in monitoring and data management are needed.
Education experts are now calling for an independent review of JAMB’s ICT systems and greater transparency in how UTME scores are processed. There are also calls for better communication channels so that students can report issues and receive timely feedback.
Conclusion
JAMB’s admission of error in the 2025 UTME results is a crucial step toward rebuilding trust with candidates and the general public. While the situation is understandably frustrating for affected students, the board’s willingness to address the problem head-on offers hope that corrective measures will be taken quickly and fairly. As the 2025/2026 admission season progresses, JAMB has an opportunity to not only correct this mistake but also strengthen its systems for the future.
