JAMB 2025: Over 370,000 Candidates to Retake Exams Amid Result Glitches — What Really Happened?

JAMB 2025: Over 370,000 Candidates to Retake Exams Amid Result Glitches — What Really Happened?

In what has become one of the most turbulent Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) in recent years, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is facing scrutiny after admitting to technical glitches that affected the integrity of results for hundreds of thousands of candidates across Nigeria.

The 2025 UTME, which began on April 24 and ended on May 5, was meant to usher in a more seamless computer-based testing experience. However, the process was marred by significant technical disruptions at 157 centers, prompting JAMB to mandate that over 370,000 candidates retake the exam.

“Man proposes, God disposes”

This was the phrase JAMB Registrar, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, used during a press briefing to describe the unexpected challenges that undermined the credibility of this year’s UTME.

“We sincerely apologize to all affected candidates. Despite our preparations, unforeseen issues occurred, particularly at CBT centers in Lagos and parts of the South-East,” Prof. Oloyede stated. “It is our duty to ensure fairness, and therefore, candidates from the 157 compromised centers will be retaking their exams.”

The rescheduled examinations are slated to begin on Friday, May 16, 2025, with affected candidates receiving fresh notifications via SMS, email and phone calls.

Anatomy of a Breakdown

The affected centers experienced issues ranging from server downtimes, biometric verification failures and abrupt session terminations. In some cases, candidates were logged out mid-exam without the opportunity to complete their tests.

A candidate who sat for the UTME in Nasarawa State described her ordeal. “I was just 20 minutes into the Use of English section when the system shut down. They told us to wait, but after 45 minutes, nothing happened,” she said, preferring to remain anonymous.

Public Reaction and Growing Concerns

Many education stakeholders and civil society organizations have called for greater transparency in the CBT accreditation process and improved monitoring of centers.

“The consistent issues with UTME in recent years show a deeper systemic failure. Students shouldn’t bear the brunt of technical inadequacies,” said Kemi Akinbo, an education policy analyst.

Read also: JAMB Apologises, Reschedules UTME for 380,000 Candidates After Technical Blunder

The Cost of Disruption

Parents and guardians have also expressed frustration, not only over the emotional toll on students but also the financial burden. The total registration cost for candidates ranged from ₦7,200 to ₦8,700 depending on whether they opted for the mock examination.

With many candidates expected to travel again for the rescheduled exam, families are struggling with additional expenses for transport and accommodation.

Looking Ahead

While JAMB insists the retake is a measure of fairness, the recurring technical flaws in the examination process raise questions about the readiness of Nigeria’s digital education infrastructure.

In the words of Prof. Oloyede, “No system is perfect, but we owe it to the Nigerian child to get it right. We are reviewing all affected centers and taking disciplinary actions where negligence is proven.”

For now, the nation watches as JAMB attempts to salvage credibility and ensure that affected candidates are not unfairly disadvantaged.

What Candidates Should Do Next:

Visit [www.jamb.gov.ng](https://www.jamb.gov.ng/) regularly for updates.

Check emails and SMS for rescheduled exam details.

Reprint examination slips as advised.