The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Nigeria's primary institution for conducting university entrance examinations, has embraced technology as a means to enhance the integrity of the process. However, recent events surrounding the 2025 examination cycle have led to widespread public outcry, raising serious concerns about the efficiency and transparency of its technology adoption.
The results released have sparked controversy, with numerous candidates expressing dissatisfaction over what they believe to be flawed scoring, poor logistics, and inadequate security measures.
Of the 1.8 million candidates who sat for the JAMB exam, only 8,401 (0.5 percent) scored 300 or higher, a figure that has triggered further questions about the grading system. In comparison, 439,974 candidates (24 percent) scored between 200 and 249, while 77,070 candidates (4.2 percent) scored between 250 and 299.
The majority, comprising 1,402,490 candidates (76 percent), scored below the typical university admission threshold of 200. The disproportionate number of low scores has led many to question the accuracy of the grading system.
The situation has become even more contentious as over 8,000 candidates have complained about their results. Some allege that despite having a track record of excellent academic performance, their scores were inexplicably low.
This has led Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare, to initiate a class action lawsuit, calling for an independent review of the results. Social media has been awash with criticisms, many of which point to possible technological faults or mismanagement during the exam process.
Security risks and candidate inconvenience
One of the more alarming incidents that emerged from this year’s examination cycle involves Esther Oladele, a candidate who was allegedly kidnapped in Lagos after being assigned to an examination centre far from her home.
The scheduled accreditation was set for 6:30 p.m., leaving candidates vulnerable to security risks during the late hours of the day. Although JAMB denied any involvement in the situation, overwhelming evidence confirmed that the late accreditation time exposed candidates to significant security threats. This case highlights a critical gap in the logistics surrounding the examination, raising questions about the sufficiency of planning and candidate welfare.
Technology: Intended to eliminate fraud, but at what cost?
JAMB's embrace of technology, particularly the computer-based testing (CBT) system, was designed to streamline the examination process and eliminate fraud. Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, emphasised that the CBT system, paired with robust security measures, has eradicated cheating.
However, the public’s reaction suggests that while the technology may have reduced some forms of malpractice, it has not addressed fundamental issues related to transparency, fairness, and overall user experience.
Despite JAMB's assertion that the technology-driven approach has bolstered the examination's integrity, the results and logistical challenges paint a different picture. The significant number of complaints and allegations regarding incorrect scores suggest that there may be systemic flaws in the technology’s implementation. The lack of clarity in how results are processed and communicated further fuels suspicions about the system's reliability.
Call for transparency and independent review
As calls for greater transparency mount, stakeholders are demanding an independent review of the results and the technology used to administer the exam. Critics argue that while the integration of technology in education (EdTech) is a positive step, it must be implemented more effectively and efficiently to serve its intended purpose. This means not only ensuring that the technology works as expected but also creating systems that are transparent, fair, and responsive to the needs of the candidates.
The current crisis surrounding JAMB highlights the challenges faced by EdTech in Nigeria and Africa at large. Although technology has the potential to transform education and examination processes, its implementation must be carefully managed. This includes robust testing of the systems before widespread deployment, clear communication with stakeholders, and effective troubleshooting mechanisms for addressing complaints and concerns.
