The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the commencement of a fast-tracked review process to investigate complaints over the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results, which have sparked concern among candidates and parents nationwide.
In a statement issued on Monday, and posted on X, JAMB acknowledged “the significant volume of unusual complaints following the release of the 2025 UTME results.”
Fast-tracked annual system review
JAMB noted that, in response to the backlash, it is accelerating its annual post-examination review, a detailed evaluation that usually takes place months after the exercise.
According to Dr. Fabian Benjamin, Public Communication Advisor for JAMB, “The Board’s annual review encompasses three key stages: registration, examination, and result release. During the examination phase, JAMB ensures that every candidate is afforded the opportunity to sit for the test.”
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He further assured that candidates whose testing experience may have been disrupted would not be neglected. “Should any technical issues arise, the Board reschedules the examination for affected candidates without hesitation.”
Concerns from specific states under scrutiny
While the examination body confirmed widespread discontent over the results, it added that some regions reported higher volumes of technical issues. “We are particularly concerned about the unusual complaints originating from a few states within the Federation. We are currently scrutinising these complaints in detail to identify and rectify any potential technical issues,” Benjamin said. He also noted that a broad coalition of experts had been engaged to assist in the review.
JAMB consults experts and stakeholders
To ensure a credible and thorough investigation, JAMB has approached external oversight and technical experts.
“To assist in this process, we have engaged a number of experts, including members from the Computer Professionals Association of Nigeria, Chief External Examiners, who are heads of tertiary institutions, the Educational Assessment and Research Network in Africa, measurement experts, and Vice Chancellors from various institutions,” he explained.
These collaborators are expected to help the Board determine whether technical failures or systemic issues contributed to the unusually poor performance reported by candidates.
JAMB reiterated its commitment to fairness and transparency. “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,” the statement concluded.
This year, over 1.9 million candidates sat for the UTME, with reports indicating that more than 1.5 million scored below 200 out of a possible 400. The mass failure has raised questions about the credibility of the testing process, prompting urgent calls for accountability and systemic review.